Frequently asked questions
Does red meat increase cholesterol?
No, a number of studies actually show a healthy diet including lean red meat can improve cholesterol levels. This is because red meat trimmed of all visible fat contains relatively low levels of total fat and saturated fatty acids, which have been found to raise cholesterol. The National Heart Foundation has approved a wide range of lean beef, lamb and veal cuts with their tick of approval which means they have less than 4% saturated fat.
Is red meat linked to high blood pressure?
No, a study conducted by Dr Jonathan Hodgson, (School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia) found a red meat diet can decrease blood pressure. The trial involved 60 men and women with high blood pressure who were placed on either their usual diet or a diet where some carbohydrate rich foods were replaced with 200g lean red meat per day. After 8 weeks, the group which included higher amounts of red meat experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure. This study is part of the mounting evidence showing higher protein diets, including red meat, can help to lower blood pressure.
Does red meat cause bowel cancer?
No, the evidence that fresh red meat increases the risk of colorectal (bowel) cancer remains weak and inconsistent; however the association is slightly stronger with processed meats. The largest cancer and nutrition study in the world, EPIC, did not find a significant link between fresh red meat and bowel cancer.
The Cancer Council of Australia says "being overweight, having a poor diet, drinking alcohol and doing little or no exercise all increase your risk of developing certain cancers". In addition, smoking should be ceased to decrease cancer risk.
Fresh red meat can be included with confidence as part of a healthy diet, 3-4 times a week in accordance with Australian dietary guidelines.
Is red meat good for me?
Yes, lean red meat is part of a healthy balanced diet. It contains many essential nutrients needed for optimum health: iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and long chain omega-3s. The Australian dietary guidelines recommend we eat lean red meat 3-4 times per week. The guidelines recommend women eat approximately 100g and men eat 125g of lean red meat, 3-4 times per week. Two lamb chops or 2-3 slices of roast beef equals around 100g.
Is red meat OK in weight loss diets?
Lean red meat is a great food to include in a weight-loss diet because it's high in protein and a valuable source of essential nutrients. High protein foods are very filling, so you feel satisfied for longer and don't need to eat as much.
Is fish the only source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids?
No, red meat also contains long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Although fish and seafood are the richest sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, red meat is the second largest source in the Australian diet, contributing almost a third of our total intake. This is because Australians consume red meat regularly. Read more about omega-3s in red meat
How long does it take to digest red meat?
Less than 4-6 hours. Meat is made up of protein and some fats which are easily digested and will generally leave the stomach within 2-3 hours. Meat is fully digested within 4-6 hours compared to the dietary fibre found in fruits, vegetables and wholegrains which take more than 2 days. The human digestive system is well designed to digest a variety of foods including red meat, which contains a wide range of essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and long chain omega-3s.
What are HGPs?
Hormonal growth promotants are a group of veterinary drugs used in beef production to increase weight gain and improve the feed conversion efficiency of cattle. HGPs contain forms of oestradiol, progesterone and/or testosterone that occur naturally in untreated animals; treatment – usually via pellets implanted under the skin of the ear – simply increases the concentration and metabolic effect.
Are there any harmful effects from HGPs?
HGPs carry no risk to human health or safety when used according to directions. HGPs merely supplement the natural hormones already present in cattle and many other food sources. Based on figures from the World Health Organization, a child weighing 30kgs would need to eat more than 112 tonnes of meat from treated steers per day before any health risk from hormones.