Not all foods are digested at the same rate by the digestive system. Some pass faster than others. Among the foods that are considered rather heavy for digestion, there is red meat. And yet, it is one of the most popular foods on a daily basis. Tasty and allowing to concoct several types of dishes, it is however singled out as being at the origin of cardiovascular problems. It is therefore necessary to be well informed.
A claim supported by studies.
The fact that red meat is difficult to digest and is the cause of several cardiovascular diseases is not a free statement. Despite the fact that it is succulent cooked, grilled, raw, in carpaccio or even dried, too regular consumption is not recommended.
A study in the United States:
The American Heart Association magazine has already made a publication on this subject. Before that, scientists called on more than 3,900 people aged 65 and over. They interviewed and analyzed them. The purpose of this study was to report on their meat consumption. The results of the analysis of their blood, taken on an empty stomach, confirmed that people who consume more white meat are less exposed to the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the risks are higher for those who consume red meat. They would be more exposed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders. These are manifested by the accumulation of deposits of fat or better known as cholesterol in the walls of the arteries.
A study in Great Britain:
Another study was done by a team from Queen Mary University in London. It was carried out with 20,000 participants. Again, the results are clear, individuals who consume more red meat have more saturated arteries than those who take less or none. The study also demonstrated how this food degrades heart function.
The scientists who established this analysis even suggested replacing animal proteins with vegetable proteins. This would prevent the risk of heart disease.
The effects of overconsumption of red meat on the cardiovascular system.
Excess red meat has various negative effects on the body, especially on the cardiovascular system. In total, they are 3.
First, the scientists made an evaluation by CMR or cardiovascular magnetic resonance. The goal was to measure the volume of the ventricles and assess its pumping capacity.
In a second step, a radiomic analysis is done to better determine the shape and texture of the heart muscle. The use of this method aims to obtain detailed data from cardiac images.
Thirdly, the study looked closely at the flexibility of blood vessels.
To obtain reliable results, the scientists took into consideration parameters such as sex, education, lifestyle, age, and anything that might impact the results.
In conclusion, studies have confirmed that excessive consumption of red meat makes the risks more marked. People who take more than others therefore have more problematic imaging results. They have smaller ventricles, greater arterial stiffness, and all the signs of poor cardiovascular health.
Red meat and health risks, what should we understand?
Veal, lamb, horse, goat, mutton, beef, etc., these are the main resources of red meat. These are particularly rich in vitamins, proteins and iron. They are also filled with saturated fats which increase the level of bad cholesterol in the blood (LDL). As a result, they pile up in the arteries and clog them. This causes problems in the cardiovascular system.
In addition, it is also necessary to note that red meat is one of the most difficult foods to digest. Indeed, the digestive system takes regarding 5 hours to digest it completely, while vegetables and fruits are digested in less than an hour. It also strains the digestive system and might cause illnesses such as stomach aches.
To conclude, the consumption of red meat must therefore be moderate. The WHO recommends a maximum intake of 500 grams of red meat per week for an adult.
