There are certain situations where steak consumption should be limited. However, some individuals should completely avoid this dish, according to Eat This, Not That.
Nothing beats a large, juicy steak paired with creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly seasoned vegetables. However, have you ever wondered if red meat is good for your overall health?
The good news is that <strong, if consumed in moderation, lean steaks can be beneficial for you. However, Dr. Mike Bohl, Director of Medical Content and Education at Ro (USA), states that there are certain cases where individuals should avoid or completely skip this dish.
Steak can be good if consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption can have negative effects on the body. (Photo: Cooking Classy).
Individuals with Gut Health Issues
Most foods are generally good when consumed in moderation; however, steak can affect those with sensitive stomachs. Dr. Bohl explains that digestive issues can make it harder to digest red meat.
The high protein and fat content in steak and red meat take longer to digest. According to Geelong Medical Group, the first sign of this issue is severe and uncomfortable bloating, resulting from the accumulation of excess toxins in the digestive tract.
Anyone with Red Meat Allergies
Dr. Bohl notes that the only case in which one should completely avoid steak is for those who have short-term reactions to it, such as individuals with allergies.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alpha-gal syndrome—recently discovered—is defined as an allergy to products from mammalian animals, particularly red meat. Although rare, red meat allergies can manifest within minutes of eating a piece of steak.
Symptoms of this allergy can include rashes, itching, flaky skin (eczema), runny nose, headaches, wheezing or difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and swelling in body parts such as the lips, face, tongue, and throat.
Individuals with red meat allergies should completely avoid steak. (Photo: iStock).
Individuals with Diabetes
Dr. Bohl explains that steak and most red meats have higher saturated fat content, which can lead to an accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood, raising the body’s blood pressure.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that total fat intake for a person with diabetes should not exceed 20 grams per day. Meanwhile, an average steak weighing 226 grams contains about 19 grams of saturated fat.
Dr. Cedrina Calder, an expert from Eat This, Not That, points out that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease, so avoiding steak can help prevent further increasing that risk.
Anyone with a Family History of Colorectal Cancer
Regularly consuming steak can lead to various health issues. However, for those with certain genetic predispositions, it can be even more significant. The consumption of steak and similar red meats is linked to several different cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
According to researchers at the American Cancer Institute, certain compounds found in steak and red meats cause alkylation damage, leading to cancer formation. Harvard Health also indicates that individuals consuming over 140 grams of steak or red meat daily have a 28% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Therefore, if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, avoiding steak is a wise choice, according to Dr. Calder.
Consuming steak and red meats can lead to colorectal cancer. (Photo: Health Status).
Alternative Options
The appeal of steak is undeniable. For many, eliminating it can be challenging. However, there are plenty of alternatives.
Healthier red meat options include venison, pork, and bison, which contain less saturated fat than beef. If you still want to eat beef, choose the leanest cuts possible. Lean beef cuts include chuck, sirloin, and round.
