This is a dilemma that has plagued modern humans endlessly. We have been debating on it endlessly too. Yet, there is no right answer to it! And the question is “Is a meat diet better or a vegetarian diet better?” Everything in moderation could perhaps be closer to truth. A human body needs a multitude of nutrients and we get these with a balanced intake of different groups and not excluding any entirely. In recent years however meat and non vegetarian diets have come under a lot of criticism from the vegetarian and vegan lobbies or just by people who knew way too little to have an informed opinion.
Let us see what a few of the myths associated to meat and examine how far they are true
Myth 1: I put on 10 kgs when I got back to eating meat! A person putting on weight with a meat diet is a very common misconception and is one of the most popular criticisms that meat faces. Over-eating of anything could make one put on weight or increase the fat content in the body. Simply put, excess, unused calories get deposited as fat tissues and make one gain weight. The unused excess calories could come from a big bowl of Jeera Rice and Dal Tadka or from 3 greasy steaks. Fact be told, the protein in meat can give the feeling of satiety quicker and it’s rare that one overeats meat. On the other hand a carbohydrate rich meal of rice and lentils takes longer to give the feeling of fullness and has more chances of being overeaten. This eventually ends up as excess calories.
Myth 2: Be ready to pay bills in the hospital with all your red meat consumption! Meat is unhealthy and causes diseases is an oft heard criticism. Print media has thrived on the stereotype of an obese person with a plate of chicken wings or pork ribs. Have we ever seen a picture of a person sitting with a gargantuan vegetable sandwich oozing cheese or a bowl of dal to represent people with lifestyle diseases? The answer is a resounding no! Yet again, it is quantities of food consumed that causes ill health or alternatively well being. Meat consumed as part of a balanced diet is a major source of proteins, vitamins and minerals for the body. Method of cooking adopted also has an effect on the meat. It is the excessive amount of oil and fats that gives meat a bad name. Lean meat still remains one of the easiest and simplest sources of the most necessary proteins for the body
Myth 3: Just eat your salads; Vegetables provide all the nutrients you need – Research has shown that a big majority of urban population has a vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is considered to be the major source of vitamin-D which is not so easily available for urban population spending most time indoors. Hence most of us pop supplements to makeup the deficiency. This continuous vitamin D deficiency has a link to the lack of meat in the diet too. Seafood and red meat are considered good sources of vitamin D. That option is denied when people have been wrongly warned against an animal based diet. Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient that’s almost exclusively found in animal-based foods, such as fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs. Nutrients like Creatine, carnitine, taurine, Heme iron, DHA, carnosine etc are some other top nutrients found only or found in significant quantities in meat which is denied when on a vegetarian diet.
Myth 4: Look at Popeye! Spinach is all you need. Copious amount of carrots and spinach is all you need to boost your brain functions is something that many of us have heard as children or even as adults. The fact is no. We need more. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and iron are plentiful in a meat based diet and very crucial for the development of a brain. They help in preventing degenerative diseases of the brain, fatigue, brain fog, nerve damage and decrease of brain volume that is seen in older people. Protein in meat is also the most important building block of tissues in the body and especially so of the brain tissues! Iron in meat is another nutrient that helps brain development and helps in improving cognitive functions as well as in language and motor skills of a person.
Myth 5: Non vegetarian diet takes more effort and I can never reach office on time! This is an age of many ready to cook meat options. Meat retailers like Fipola have an exciting range of marinated meats, marinades, cold cuts etc which are ridiculously simple to cook within 5-7 minutes and enjoyable to eat as well. The globetrotting Indians of today with evolved taste buds are spoilt for choice. Also unlike vegetables which acquire the taste of spices and ingredients used to bring about flavor, meat has its own flavor in addition to the ingredients that may or may not be added. Also with the possibility of storing cooked meat, the frequency of cooking can be decreased. Reheating of meat doesn’t erode the taste or nutrient density in meat and seafood.
Myth 6: Humans are not meant to eat other animals – Questions on the Ethical propriety of meat eating have been in existence for centuries. A person’s dietary needs and choices are very personal like their choice of clothes, language they speak or culture they follow. It is not for anyone to pass judgment on. Eating meat or not eating also falls under the realm of personal choice. Our bodies – especially our brains have exceptionally high nutritional needs. So if one wants a strong body and a powerful brain, eating at least some meat would provide far more calories with far less effort than a meatless diet!
Meat has been maligned a bit too much lately and hasn’t been given a fair hearing. When consumed as part of a balanced diet and in a non-indulgent manner, meat is just as harmless like any other food. It has its own part in keeping us healthy and fit!
So let’s tap our feet and sing “These goats are made for eating, and that’s just what we’ll do…” Nancy Sinatra might or might not sing along!
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