A new study has found that men eat more meat than women, prompting suggestions from experts that females should consume it more because of its health benefits.
The findings published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, analysed data from 21,000 people in 23 countries, also revealing a wider gap in wealthier and more gender-equal countries, reported Yahoo Life Friday.
What are benefits of eating red meat?
A dietitian Michelle Routhenstein said that red meat is a protein Vitamin, Iron and zinc-rich food.
Protein helps in repairing of muscles bones while Vitamin B keeps brain healthy and allows cell production.
For immunity, zinc is very important and iron crucial for blood circulation.
Is there any risk of eating red meat?
Meat is full of saturated fats and can increase the levels of “bad” or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which may cause hardening of blood vessels.
A study published last year by Oxford University revealed that people consuming red meat are more prone to develop heart disease.
Those who eat processed ones have an 18% greater risk of developing such illnesses.
It is also linked with developing certain types of cancers too such as colon and rectum cancers.
Does meat affect women and men differently?
Both of them get the same amount of nutrition but women have a higher demand for oxygen according to dietitian Edwina Clarke.
“For women of childbearing age, iron is a concern,” Clarke told Yahoo Life. Women also lose blood during their periods therefore their demand for the fluid becomes crucial to remain healthy.
A study published in JAMA found nearly 40% of women and girls between the ages of 12 and 21 were iron-deficient.
Experts suggest both men and women consume meat moderately.
