By Donna V. Scaglione
Red meat is high in iron and protein, which the body needs for rich blood and healthy bones and muscle. But red meat also has been linked to heart disease, obesity, and some cancers. What’s a health-conscious person to do? Expert advice usually comes down to this: Eat red meat in moderation, make sure it’s lean, and don’t overcook it. Here are some tips on healthfully including red meat into your diet.
1. Limit intake
The nonprofit American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating no more than 18 ounces of red meat a week and avoiding processed meats like bacon and hot dogs to limit colon cancer risk. The government’s MyPyramid guidelines recommend eating 5 to 6 ½ ounces of protein a day from a variety of sources including lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts. So make that hamburger tonight for dinner no more than 3 ounces, about the size of a regular McDonald’s burger, advises WebMD.
