We have grown accustomed over the years to interact with individuals who to some extent, and out of their own volition choose to forego the consumption of any animal product. As soon as we hear about somebody or other doing the opposite, meaning they decide only to consume animal products our eyebrows immediately go up. The truth is that high-protein and low carbohydrate diets have been around for a very long time. We have all heard of the infamous Atkins diet, and in recent years, the cultural zeitgeist has turned to the meat-heavy Paleo diet for weight loss results. Those who defend meat only diets, in all their variations, do so on the grounds that, not only are they practical weight loss strategies but that they also provide plenty of health benefits to boot. But what does science say about this dietary philosophy? What does the medical community opine on the subject? Read on to find out about the pros and cons of a meat only diet.
When we refer to meat in this article, we will be referring to red meat or the flesh and muscle tissue of cows and pigs mostly. The flesh of birds such as chickens, turkeys, and other poultry animals can also be considered meat. For the purpose of this article, we will not be considering fish and shellfish as meat, since they are their own category.
It has long been understood by nutritionists and accepted widely by the medical community that red meat should be consumed sparingly and in small portions. Dieticians have historically given more leniencies to the consumption of white meat, which would suggest a more beneficial nature and higher health value. So why is it that a meat only diet purports to challenge this convention?
Pros Of Only Meat Diet
Many our body’s most essential systems require protein to function correctly, and since meat is the most abundant source of dietary protein we know, the thinking goes that eating more meat can only be a good thing. By eating a meat only diet, you deprive your body of carbohydrates; as it turns out, when your body stops having easy access to energy-rich carbs it turns to other sources of energy to fulfill its metabolic obligations. Your body stores fat for just this purpose and so a meat only diet will boost your fat burning capabilities, and this method is used by many fitness model such Lazar Angelov. A three-ounce serving of meat contains just about twenty grams of protein, and this is complete protein we are talking about. Meat is one of the best sources of all the essential amino acids that are necessary for metabolic function, tissue regeneration, and enzyme synthesis.
By eating a meat only diet, you will also experience increased levels of energy. You’ll feel like that you’re running a trenbolone cycle. Meat is a solid source of iron, which is the oxygen-carrying component of hemoglobin. Since oxygen metabolism is closely entwined with energy levels, by eating more red meat and raising your blood iron levels, you will be increasing the efficiency of your body’s oxygen consumption.
Not all is peachy when you limit your dietary consumption to only meats. Issues with an increased consumption of the saturated fats that are typically found in animal protein, as well as the lack of antioxidants, fibers, and most micronutrients, can begin to arise after an extended period of only meat consumption.
Plenty of studies have suggested that there is a correlation between elevated consumption of meat products and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to an increase in blood cholesterol. In fact, a study conducted out of Harvard University even went so far as to suggest that an all meat diet can shorten your life expectancy. Meat only diets can also heavily tax your kidneys. Your kidneys work as filters and clear your blood of any toxic byproducts that are released through the process of digestion. Some foods, such as red meat, when eaten excessively and for prolonged periods of time can generate sufficient waste products to impair kidney function
Cons Of Only Meat Diet
Excessive meat consumption has also been repeatedly linked to some types of cancer. Stomach and colon cancer have been linked to elevated meat consumption, and the world health organization has gone so far as to classify processed meats as a class one carcinogen.
It is important to note that the risks here outlined only apply to the excessive consumption of meat, so there is not need to cut it completely from your diet. We recommend moderation and a balanced diet that contains enough lean proteins, simple carbs, and healthy fats to cover all the bases. Just because some individuals have had success with meat, only diets does not mean that this dietary philosophy is sustainable over time. In our opinion, the risks associated outweigh the benefits. A proper balance of nutrients is the most beneficial path to good health.