Tag Archives: meat

The role of red meat in the diet

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Fresh_meatThe role of red meat in the diet

A government dietary surveys continue to demonstrate that diets in the UK, whatever our age, are worryingly low in some nutrients commonly found in meat, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium. Meat has been a staple part of the human diet since the dawn of mankind and a new review[1] just published, has found that including lean red meat in diets across the age spectrum, from infanthood to old age, may help to narrow the present gap between vitamin and mineral intakes and recommended levels. In addition, the evidence suggests that nutrients commonly found in red meat play a role in supporting cognitive function, immune health and addressing iron deficiency.

 

Red meat – defined as beef, veal, pork and lamb, which is fresh, minced or frozen – is a source of high quality protein and important micronutrients. Beef and lamb are classed as a ‘rich source’ – i.e. more than 30% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) – of niacin, vitamin B12 and zinc. It is also a ‘source’ – i.e. 15% or more of the RDA – of iron, potassium and phosphorous. Pork is a ‘rich source’ of vitamin B1 (thiamin). Meat, particularly from grass-fed animals, can be a valuable source of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids, also found in oily fish, support normal foetal development as well as helping to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions, depression and dementia in later life. Red meat is an important source of haem iron – the type that is most readily absorbed – while survey data show that average iron intakes in the UK are worryingly low in some groups such as young children, teenagers and pregnant women.

 

 

GETTING THE FACTS RIGHT:

 

In response to a study on vegetarian diets published yesterday2, independent dietician and member of the Meat Advisory Panel (MAP) Dr Carrie Ruxton comments: “This study looked at different groups of Seventh Day Adventists in the US using questionnaires, noting that those with vegetarian diets lived slightly longer than those consuming meat. However, there were several problems with the study. Firstly, vegetarians had a lower body mass index and were less likely to smoke or drink alcohol than non-vegetarians. Secondly, little attempt was made to account for other dietary variables which could affect mortality risk. It was reported that the vegetarians had high vitamin C and fibre intakes, which could certainly impact on health. Thus, the simple presence or absence of meat is an unlikely reason for the differences in mortality rates, given the large differences in smoking, body mass index, alcohol intake, vitamin C and fibre.

 

“The study also points out that differences in mortality between vegetarians and meat eaters have not been shown in European studies, for example the large European Prospective

Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Oxford (EPIC Oxford) cohort study of 47,254 participants[2]. Thus, the US study is not relevant for the UK where intakes of red meat are lower. There is no reason why a moderate amount of red meat, as recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and consumed as part of a balanced diet, should not be seen as beneficial for health and wellbeing.

 

Red meat contains highly bioavailable nutrients, particularly zinc and iron, which are less available from a vegetarian diet. Given the low dietary intakes of some nutrients within the UK population, adults should continue to consume a balanced diet with up to 70g of lean red meat per day and up to 500g per week as recommended by SACN”.

 

DID YOU KNOW? Meat and heart health: In a cohort study among over 51,000 people, meat consumption up to ~100 g/day, was not associated with increased mortality from ischemic heart disease, stroke or total cardiovascular disease among either men or women.[3]

 

In summary, lean red meat plays an important part in a balanced diet. Red meat supplies key nutrients which can be lacking in the diets of some sub -groups of the UK population.  Evidence indicates that consumption of red meat in recommended amounts does not have a deleterious effect on lipid levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Lean red meat can make a positive contribution to bridging the dietary gap that exists in the diets of some people in the UK.

 

THE FACTS: UK nutrition – the seven ages of mankind: 1

 

  • Infants and pre-school children – studies show that diets in this age group are low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc.
  • Pre-pubescent children – diets were found to be low in vitamin A, magnesium, iron and zinc. Boys tended to have higher intakes of iron and thiamin than girls.
  • Teenagers (13 to 18 years) – diets are low in many key nutrients – including vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium.
  • Adults of reproductive age (19-50 years) – diets, particularly for females, fall short in magnesium and iron, as well as zinc, selenium and potassium.
  • Pregnancy and lactation – Women on average fail to get enough calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, selenium and potassium and vitamin D.
  • Middle-age and older age (50 years and above) – while this group have better quality diets, there are still shortfalls in intakes of magnesium, zinc and potassium.
  • Older-age (75 years and beyond) – data shows that in adults aged over 85, intakes of magnesium, zinc and potassium are below the recommended nutrient intake.

Artist Stirrups Horsemeat Controversy.

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A piece of art shocked commuters in the capital yesterday as graphic artist, Patrick Thomas, debuted his latest provocative piece, ‘Moo’, to the public, making more than a subtle nod to the current horse-meat scandal.

 

Ahead of the Affordable Art Fair which takes place early next month, the Berlin-based artist, known for creating powerful messages through the use of iconic images, previewed ‘Moo’ at Leicester Square where the artwork was aired across the tube station throughout the day.

The piece attracted plenty of attention with many commuters posing next to the displays and tweeting their amusement. However, some remained oblivious as they tucked into their burgers and strolled past the art with their weekly shopping.

Artist, Patrick Thomas, who created the piece said “It is the job of an artist to be witness to his time in history and art should have a social function and be an intrinsic part of everyday life. Art can be a powerful weapon and although this print is intentionally humorous; in the context of the horsemeat scandal currently dominating the UK press – it conceals a darker message.”

Patrick Thomas is one of thousands of contemporary artists showing at the Affordable Art Fair this March and can be found at Outline Editions’ gallery stand. The ‘Moo’ silkscreen print is an edition of 100, priced at £145 each.

The Affordable Art Fair is London’s friendliest and most welcoming art fair, with all art priced from £40 – £4,000, the fair runs at the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March.

Magazine Round-Up Part 2: Rihanna Takes Vogue Cover

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British Vogue has Rihanna on the cover. She is interviewed inside and says ‘Whatever my mojo tells me, that’s what I’m going to do’.

Tilda Swindon is interviewed.

Scion of the fashion dynasty Maxmara, Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti is interviewed by Vogue and she tells them that ‘my mother impressed on me that to be elegant you have to avoid overdressing’.

Articles on Coco Chanel, Jean-Paul Goude, Bryce Dallas Howard on her, and her characters, style, director Martina Amati, Sylvia Plath’s daughter Frieda Hughes, Dolores and Carmen Chaplin, Miss V covers Mark Ronsons wedding, David and Serena Linley, Hannah Rothschild on Leonardo da Vinci, the new breed of entrepreneurs, Vogue dons white coats and learned how to give good facials, Norma Kamali – and doesn’t she look amazing! Katie Holmes gives her Style File.

Most magazines this month had at least one article on perfume.

There is a rise in vegetarians, but Vogue has a good article on people rediscovering meat.

Marie Claire has Reese Witherspoon on the cover. ‘I didn’t realise how anxious I was about being a single parent’ she tells Marie Claire.

There is a new column from writer Lindsay Kelk; a Northern lass turned New York singleton who will be charting her journey to find Mr Right.

Marie Claire reports on a beauty pageant for men to become the cover stars of romance novels, yes, really.

There is a really good article on the inspirational Mary Portas. Make your wardrobe fashion editor fabulous. Jamie Oliver, Are you the new Type A? , DNA Dating, Is it time for a career shuffle?, Martin Daubney gives it all up to become a full-time father, Dolly Parton, Gossip Girl Stylist Eric Daman, Tali Lennox, Nicole Roberts.

My life in books by Caroline Aherne.

Lionel Shriver, Rachel Evan Woods, perfume, save your skin facials, Christina Aguilera, curb your cravings. 12 reasons you’re tired all the time, Pixie Lott’s food heaven.

Marie Claire have a special sex section, ahem. No comment from me.

Vanity Fair has Johnny Depp on the cover. ‘Basically if they’re going to pay me the stupid money, I’m going to take it’ he says.

Florence Welch, Mario Batali, Amber Heard, Bobbi Brown, Tinie Tempah, Moby Dick, The Tea Party, Tailor’s Anderson and Sheppard, Marisa Berenson, Haruki Murakami, Michael Lewis asks if California will sink the US, Elisabeth Warren, gossip columnist Liz Smith, Milton Gendal, Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, Courtney Love unravels, Woody Allen, Ethan Coen, Elaine May, Desmond Tutu.

There is a free supplement: Vanity Fair On Couture with Rebecca Hall on the cover. Catherine Middleton is on their best dressed, Giorgio Armani, Nicky Haslam, Giambattista versus Azzedine Alaia, Karl Lagerfield, Chanel, Ann Bonfoey Taylor, Elie Saab, Daphne Guinness, Amanda Harlech, Lucy Birley.