In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper’s grandmother might have said that lard is the best cooking oil substitute or that cooking with it means your husband truly loves you.
While we now know that saturated and unsaturated fats have their fair share of controversies, excessive fat consumption is generally harmful, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles or older adults who are more prone to heart diseases.
That brings us to the debate between white and red meat.
Red Meat vs White Meat
So, what exactly are white and red meat, and why do people hate red meat so much?
Essentially, red meat contains a protein called myoglobin, which gives it its red color. It is mostly associated with meat from game animals such as cows, pigs, goats, and horses. This type of meat usually has a higher overall fat content, with a significant portion being unsaturated fat, which is more harmful than saturated fat.
White meat, on the other hand, is often associated with fish and poultry, which contain lesser amounts of myoglobin. From a health perspective, white meat generally has lower fat content and is considered healthier.
But does this mean red meat is bad for you? Should you stop eating it? And if you don’t, will you die earlier?
Red Meat kills you sooner that White Meat?
Studies say otherwise.
Firstly, certain processed preparations of white meat, such as chicken nuggets, can actually contain more fat than red meat. Additionally, specific cuts of conventional white meat, like turkey legs (which are classified as dark meat), have higher fat content than leaner cuts like turkey breast, which is true white meat.
So, the cut and method of preparation also impact the final fat content.
Research shows that there is no official correlation between red meat consumption and increased overall mortality. In studies that do show a correlation, there isn’t enough evidence to conclude causation—because correlation is not causation. Certain populations with higher red meat consumption may have increased mortality due to preparation methods that involve high-fat oils instead of grilling. Additionally, data collection methods in some studies may be flawed, as many epidemiological studies rely on subjects’ recall ability rather than direct observation.
To eat or not to eat?
You can eat both red and white meat. Red meat, in particular, is richer in protein and essential vitamins. However, specialized diets may be required for individuals with specific health conditions, such as heart patients, who should seek guidance from a doctor or medical practitioner.