The classification as red or white meat depends on the concentration of myoglobin, which is a protein present in the muscle, the characteristics of fatty acids, muscle fibers, density of mitochondria, pH of the meat and the physiological response during metabolism. post mortem.
Red meats include beef, veal, pork, lamb, lamb, horse or goat, as well as sausages prepared with these meats, while white meats include chicken, duck, turkey, goose and fish.
Regardless of the choice of meat, the recommendation is that the amount per meal should not exceed 100 to 150 grams of this source of protein, because the dish must consist of other foods, such as vegetables and sources of carbohydrates, for example. However, it is important that you consult a nutritionist to determine how much meat per meal should be included in your daily routine.
Main meats
The main white and red meat options are:
- White meats: fish, chicken, duck, turkey and rabbit;
- Red meat: beef, pork, lamb, horse, goat, ostrich and sausages prepared with these meats, such as sausage, ham, sausage and salami.
In the case of chicken and turkey, it is recommended that they be consumed without the skin. In the case of fish, it is recommended to consume sardines, tuna, trout and salmon, as they are rich in omega 3. As for red meat, cuts with less fat are recommended, such as fillet, duckling, breast, soft drumstick and hard drumstick .
What meats should be avoided
It is recommended to avoid cuts of meat with a lot of fat, such as sirloin, ribs and offal, such as liver, kidneys, heart and intestines. Furthermore, all visible fat must be removed from the meat before preparation, as during cooking some of the fat ends up entering the meat’s muscle, which prevents it from being removed when eating.
It is also important to remember that meats with more fat and processed meats, such as bacon, bacon, sausages and salami, are the most harmful to health and should be avoided. Check out some reasons not to eat liver.
Furthermore, people with high cholesterol and gout problems should also avoid consuming liver and other animal organs, as they increase uric acid in the body.
Main questions about meat
The main doubts about white and red meat are:
1. Is white meat better than red meat?
White meat, especially fish, is better for your health than red meat because, in general, it has less fat and cholesterol, and is also easier to digest.
2. Can red meat cause health problems?
In general, excessive consumption of red meat can cause harm to health, such as accumulation of fat in the arteries and liver, increased cholesterol and increased abdominal fat.
However, red meat is rich in vitamins B3, B12, B6, iron, zinc and selenium, so it can be consumed in moderation during the week, giving preference to cuts of meat that do not contain a lot of fat, as the The ideal is to have a balanced and varied diet that includes all types of meat.
3. How many times can you eat red meat a week?
It is recommended that red meat be consumed up to 3 times a week, which corresponds to between 350 and 500 grams of cooked red meat.
4. Is eating red meat at night bad?
Red meat can be consumed at night like any other food, however it should not be consumed in excess, because it takes longer to be digested in the stomach, which can cause acidity and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, which can be worse at the time. to sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to consume at least 3 hours before bed.
5. Does white meat make you fat?
Despite containing less fat, white meat is also fattening when consumed in excess, especially when consumed with high-calorie sauces, such as white sauce and 4-cheese sauce.
6. Is undercooked meat bad?
Consuming undercooked meat is only harmful to your health if it is contaminated with parasites, such as tapeworms, or bacteria that cause intestinal infections. Therefore, you should always buy meat from places that guarantee its processing and origin, as only adequate cooking eliminates contamination from unsafe meat.
7. Is pork bad?
Just like beef, pork is only harmful if it is contaminated and not cooked well, but when properly cooked, this meat is also safe for consumption.
