We are being managed by companies interested in denigrating a product in order to sell their own. It is happening with milk, to sell so-called vegetable milks, and with meat.
By eating meat we are providing our health with most of the nutrients that are essential for our bodies to function, such as proteins and minerals.
Meat also contains free amino acids, peptides, creatine, nucleotides, carbohydrates and lactic acid, as well as eight different fatty acids, including oleic acid, which is 42% in beef. As for red meat, it should be mentioned that it is rich in easily assimilated iron, and should be eaten at least once a week.
Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats in meat are not going to constitute a cardiovascular hazard or risk according to the latest research. Pork does contain saturated fats, but it has not been proven that they cause cardiovascular problems as claimed. Serrano ham or pork loin are very beneficial as they contain less cholesterol than chicken or turkey.
But all this can fall apart if we eat ultra-processed meats, because they are full of preservatives, salt, sugar, flavour enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants and starches. These ultra-processed meats are linked to cancer and inflammatory diseases, as well as greatly altering the intestinal flora.
Our intestines are colonised by millions of bacteria without which we could not live. They can extend our lives, but they can also fine-tune our immune system or defend us against intestinal cancer. It's all about feeding them properly.
José Antonio Rodríguez Piedrabuena
Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis. Specialist in management training, group and couple therapies.