Do you prefer to eat meat or are you a vegetarian? Which dietary habit is more beneficial for health? The British "Daily Mail" recently pointed out that dietary "extremism" can lead to corresponding health problems; it's best not to be too absolute when it comes to eating meat or being a vegetarian.
Arthritis: More common in meat-eaters. Rheumatoid arthritis, caused by the immune system attacking the joint lining, brings immense suffering to patients.
A British survey of 25,000 people's eating habits found that meat-eaters have twice the risk of arthritis compared to vegetarians. The collagen in red meat can trigger the immune system's "attack" response. Additionally, the high iron content in meat tends to accumulate in joints, causing tissue damage.
Infertility: More common in vegetarians. About 1/6 of infertile couples attribute their condition to their vegetarian diet. King's College London found that to get enough protein, vegetarians often consume large amounts of legumes. However, genistein, a component in soy, can prevent sperm from swimming towards the egg.
Gallstones: More common in meat-eaters. The severe pain of gallstones is unforgettable for some, and one cause is excessive saturated fat intake. Research shows that meat-eaters have an 18% higher risk of gallstones than vegetarians. Vegetarians consume more unsaturated fat, which increases insulin sensitivity and helps prevent stone formation.
Dental erosion: More common in vegetarians. Vegetarians' favorite foods like eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini contain acidic substances that erode tooth enamel. Dentists at the University of Dundee found that after high-temperature cooking, these acids become more concentrated, posing a greater danger to teeth.
Alzheimer's disease: More common in meat-eaters. Alzheimer's is linked to the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. A Columbia University study found that elderly people with mild memory problems who reduced their meat intake and ate more vegetables, fruits, and grains had a 48% lower chance of developing dementia.
Food poisoning: More common in meat-eaters. Although most food poisoning is associated with dairy products and shellfish, the threat of poultry and red meat to meat-eaters should not be ignored. Raw meat is a "harbor" for E. coli and Salmonella. The UK Food Standards Agency found that 89% of people do not store meat correctly. It should be placed in a sealed container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Furthermore, 63% of people touch raw meat without washing their hands, spreading bacteria everywhere.
Osteoporosis: More common in meat-eaters. According to the UK's National Osteoporosis Society, the animal protein in red meat is not good for bone health. The acidic residue left from digesting meat requires alkaline substances like calcium to neutralize it. This inevitably leads to calcium loss from bones. Green vegetables like cabbage and kale have higher calcium content.