I'm curious to know... how healthy/unhealthy is red meat (serious)?

[XPmpnII]

I really want to know. Is it bad for you to eat it a lot or does it not really matter all that much? I eat red meat quite a bit, but it's mostly filet mignon. I'll eat hamburgers, too... I'd say that probably sums up the majority of my consumption of red meat.

I'm hoping that consuming red meat isn't going to hurt my health down the road or anything like that... I don't wanna have to end up worrying about something later on in life due to eating too much of it or anything like that.

So yeah, I thought this would be a pretty good topic of discussion.

I need answers... and I'm sure a lot of you would like some, too.

[Coal Man]

High in fat, yet very high in protein.

You will do well with alot of red meats because right now you need to bulk up.

EDIT: Serge Nubret himself used to eat many pounds of horse meat PER DAY leading up to his Olympia contest.

[Fernis]

I've heard that eating too much of it can cause high levels of uric acid, which can cause problems. You can look up uric acid on Wikipedia.

[XPmpnII]

Originally Posted by Coal Man

High in fat, yet very high in protein.

You will do well with alot of red meats because right now you need to bulk up.

EDIT: Serge Nubret himself used to eat many pounds of horse meat PER DAY leading up to his Olympia contest.

How old is he?

And see, here's the thing. The reason why I'm so curious is because I've heard good and bad things about it. Doesn't really seem like anyone's certain as to whether or not it poses any risks or anything like that to you if you consume a lot of it.

[Crazy Monkey]

So here's the deal with red meat

it's high in fat, yes...but so are healthy oils

When talking about red meat in general (and I'm not talking about that crap you buy at McDonald's) it's not so much the amount of fat (but you have to watch that), but rather the TYPE of fat

Red meat is high in saturated fatty acids, which are part of your diet, but can be harmful in excess...a lot of the dangers that come with having a lot of saturated fats is that they increase your LDL levels (i.e. bad cholesterol)

You are better off eating foods higher in monounsaturated fatty acids that increase your HDL level (i.e. good cholesterol), like olive oil

Trans fats are just plain bad...no use for them in the body...they increase LDL and decrease HDL...bad combo, especially if cardiovascular disease runs in the family

Excess LDL can lead to the formation of plaque in certain arteries, which can lead to the formation of thrombi, which can lead to the formation of emboli (which can cause aphasia, for example, or even stroke or heart attacks).

[Coal Man]

Originally Posted by XPmpnII

How old is he?

And see, here's the thing. The reason why I'm so curious is because I've heard good and bad things about it. Doesn't really seem like anyone's certain as to whether or not it poses any risks or anything like that to you if you consume a lot of it.

I think the fats in it would cause high cholesterol...so I won't suggest you use it for exteneded periods...but you don't even eat that much anyways. Nothing's wrong with a burger or two every other day.

Serge was 40 at the time he competed against Arnold ( and when he consumed the meat)

[siamesedream]

They're good for you. Eat 'em up.

[jehst]

saturated fats raise BOTH good and bad cholesterol levels. polyunsaturated lower bad cholesterol. therefore, a moderate amount of saturated fat and high amount of polyunsaturated fat is a great combo

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by jehst

saturated fats raise BOTH good and bad cholesterol levels. then polyunsaturated lower bad chol. so a moderate amount of saturated and moderate-high polyunsaturated (fish oil, for example) is the best combo. works great for me

That's not entirely true, bro

Saturated fats increase bad cholestrol much more significantly

Monounsaturated lower bad cholesterol

certain Diunsaturated fatty acids increase inflammation and promote the formation of thrombi

certain Triunsaturates, like those in fish oil, are good substitutes for diunsaturates (they do not promote inflammation)

[Slivovica]

Apparently consuming more than 3 servings (serving size of 200 grams) a week of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer, anyone have any more information on this?

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by Slivovica

Apparently consuming more than 3 servings (serving size of 200 grams) a week of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer, anyone have any more information on this?

Increased LDL levels in the blood, as a result of family hypercholesterimia, as well as a bad diet, leads to the formation of fat pools in your arteries...these fat pools attract macrophages as well as increase the proliferation of smooth muscle cells....this is what leads to plaque in arteries

the colon is made of smooth muscle...so my intution is telling me that increased LDL, leads to increased proliferation of smooth muscle cells, which can lead to cancer if it gets out of control (there is a genetic factor here too)....I'm just taking a guess though

[siamesedream]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ight=saturated

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by Slivovica

Apparently consuming more than 3 servings (serving size of 200 grams) a week of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer, anyone have any more information on this?

http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/reprint/55/3/143

check that out...I'll look at my university's online articles to see if they have the initial publication that describes the study in better detail

[jehst]

Originally Posted by Crazy Monkey

That's not entirely true, bro

Saturated fats increase bad cholestrol much more significantly

Monounsaturated lower bad cholesterol

certain Diunsaturated fatty acids increase inflammation and promote the formation of thrombi

certain Triunsaturates, like those in fish oil, are good substitutes for diunsaturates (they do not promote inflammation)

so you're saying polyunsaturated fats don't lower cholesterol?

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by jehst

so you're saying polyunsaturated fats don't lower cholesterol?

Never said that, bro.

Which type of cholesterol you're talking about is also important

[Khronos]

Originally Posted by Crazy Monkey

http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/reprint/55/3/143

check that out...I'll look at my university's online articles to see if they have the initial publication that describes the study in better detail

My problem with these studies is they ignore a number of factors.

For example, when I think about the average American diet and where they get their red meat...it's generally a place like McDonalds or some cheap high fat meat they get in a grocery store. The problem is they are not getting a plethora of other nutrients in their diet and are probably less physically active on the whole. On the other hand, people who consume less red meat are probably eating healthier/leaner as a whole (less fast food, higher quality non-red meats).

We bodybuilders are pretty unique in that we can have a lean-cut of red meat along with brown rice and some veggies. It's completely different then average American who eats a Big Mac and fries. From what I can see these studies aren't taking into account other diet factors and cross-checking them.

[SpeedoGuido]

Originally Posted by Crazy Monkey

Increased LDL levels in the blood, as a result of family hypercholesterimia, as well as a bad diet, leads to the formation of fat pools in your arteries...these fat pools attract macrophages as well as increase the proliferation of smooth muscle cells....this is what leads to plaque in arteries

the colon is made of smooth muscle...so my intution is telling me that increased LDL, leads to increased proliferation of smooth muscle cells, which can lead to cancer if it gets out of control (there is a genetic factor here too)....I'm just taking a guess though

Crazy Monkey, my first rep goes to you for some great posts!!!!

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by Khronos

My problem with these studies is they ignore a number of factors.

For example, when I think about the average American diet and where they get their red meat...it's generally a place like McDonalds or some cheap high fat meat they get in a grocery store. The problem is they are not getting a plethora of other nutrients in their diet and are probably less physically active on the whole. On the other hand, people who consume less red meat are probably eating healthier/leaner as a whole (less fast food, higher quality non-red meats).

We bodybuilders are pretty unique in that we can have a lean-cut of red meat along with brown rice and some veggies. It's completely different then average American who eats a Big Mac and fries. From what I can see these studies aren't taking into account other diet factors and cross-checking them.

I don't know the factors that were considered in these studies, but you make a very valid point.

You have to look at your entire diet when analyzing such things.

But nonetheless, saturated fatty acids, despite their source, should be taken in properly and not in excess

But you also raise a point one of the articles I was reading said: "Red meat is NOT the major cause of colon cancer....proper diet and excersise play a much larger role"

So in essence, they weren't saying red meat is the ultimate cause, just that they can negatively affect your colon

[rducote]

Get lean red meat (96%)

[XPmpnII]

Bump!

[KRANE]

Originally Posted by Crazy Monkey

I don't know the factors that were considered in these studies, but you make a very valid point.

You have to look at your entire diet when analyzing such things.

But nonetheless, saturated fatty acids, despite their source, should be taken in properly and not in excess

But you also raise a point one of the articles I was reading said: "Red meat is NOT the major cause of colon cancer....proper diet and excersise play a much larger role"

So in essence, they weren't saying red meat is the ultimate cause, just that they can negatively affect your colon

Good facts, but genetics trump all.

To the OP, when you said red meat, to what red meat are you referring? I hope it's not a McDonald's/fastfood burger? But you can now purchase extra lean ground beef that is lower in fat than chicken. It's expensive, but the way to go if you just must have red meat--a must for all you...ah, us bodybuilders! There's just some biochemical function that only red meat can produce in the production of muscle...anabolic? I can't say, but when I eat it, I just feel "so much better"

By the way, it's also the major natural source of creatine.

[DontTreadOnMe]

dude dont worry about it, you need to beef up if i remember your pic correctly

[marcFE]

Just figured I'de throw this out there, but I've eaten large amounts of red meat pretty much daily for the last 3 years, and have gotten my blood pressure/cholestrol done once a year, and every test I've had they have both gotten lower and lower. Assuming you don't have a predetermined history of heart disease, and you are also exercising in moderation, I personally don't see any harm in red meat. The same also applies to sodium but that is a different question altogether. Of course I'm not a scientist so don't take my opinion as being scientifically flawless, but figured I'de offer my 2 cents.

[Lion Heart]

If you want to play it safe stick to leans cuts like eye of round for steak and 96/4 for burgers. I always have a serving of lean beef or pork for that matter 1-2 times a week.

[OmniPotentTitan]

If it was so bad we would not be omnivores that can and DO eat meat.

[Crazy Monkey]

Originally Posted by OmniPotentTitan

If it was so bad we would not be omnivores that can and DO eat meat.

HAHA...dude, your logic sucks

No one is saying red meat is bad for you, as long as its in moderations

There are also heathier alternatives...such as chicken, pork, and fish

[XPmpnII]

Originally Posted by KRANE

To the OP, when you said red meat, to what red meat are you referring?

I'm mainly referring to filet mignon.

[Number69]

I eat 2kg of red meat per day, mostly lean sirloin steak or less than 5% fat round mince. No food beats red meat for packing on muscle.

if you're worried about cholesterol just take fish oils, do a bit of cardio and take no-flush niacin.

Get a steak cookbook, stick to lean cuts and don't have fatty cuts with carbs and you won't go wrong.

PS Horse meat is completely different to steak - it is tougher and has almost 0% fat. It's also (unfortunately) illegal where I live because we're a horse-racing nation. (Ireland pwns at horseracing)

[stealth_swimmer]

Originally Posted by Crazy Monkey

That's not entirely true, bro

Saturated fats increase bad cholestrol much more significantly

Monounsaturated lower bad cholesterol

certain Diunsaturated fatty acids increase inflammation and promote the formation of thrombi

certain Triunsaturates, like those in fish oil, are good substitutes for diunsaturates (they do not promote inflammation)

very nice and wonderful. Why don't you just post what you really meant to? I know that you realize some folks are still too dense to get the implications of your statement. Just say it, because some people require that you be foward with them. So here it goes. Unfortunately you need to be blunt with some people.oes
"Red meat is great. If you eat more of it though, then eat more fatty fish"

There. I hope this clears everything up. Alsio: this belongs in the Nutrition section.

by the way, repped

[Malodrax]

does lamb count as red meat? or is it only beef?