To think messaging about meat is a bit confusing?

[MrsWhipstonSnippet]

I understand that processed meats are currently suspected of causing potential health issues. Makes sense.

However, a lot of the messaging now, from NHS, BHF, etc, seem to be pushing us to consume much less than previously. The NHS makes a lot of noise about vegetarianism, and there does seem to be an across-the-board encouragement to cut it all right down.

Personally, I don't mind this, as I am not a big fan, although I do eat it twice per week (chicken and fish).

BUT! My confusion comes from the odd messaging itself - pre-meno women need heme iron, so many mg per day and so on. On top of that there are so many nutrients that the NHS say we need daily, of which most are found in meat!

I am intrigued by how to parse this - so do we cut right down , as they advise, or do we eat it every day to keep iron stores and other stuff up?

I have never had issues with iron eating it only occasionally, so am not too concerned about myself, but am interested what you lot think?

Do you feel the messaging is a bit mixed?

I have never eaten meat in my life and I am not iron deficient ( recently got checked). I get iron from lentils, beans, greens, raisins and nuts. My whole family is the same. But we are used to a veggie diet and know how to get iron

I shouldn't think eating meat three times a week causes any harm either.

True, i think people are fine either way, but i am more confused by what the health bodies are saying. It's 'cut down' on the one hand, but 'don't forget your daily heme!' on the other.

If I recall correctly the amount of iron women need per day is a good amount. I never, ever achieved this by a long shot, but was always ok (am past meno now).

I might think differently if I had heavy periods.

Watch Game Changers on Netflix, it's fascinating.

I don't care what messaging there is out there, plant based is healthiest for me. The difference it's made to my health is insane! I went vegan 18 months ago and my word the instant difference it made to my energy levels and overall well being is huge. I can hold the plank for 6 minutes straight and can run ten miles quickly and easily. I've got a half marathon in 2 weeks.

Nothing confusing about it. I am a second generation vegetarian and never had any problems getting iron (regular blood donor - they turn you away if you don’t have enough iron). I took Spatone when pregnant, but otherwise my normal, reasonably healthy vegetarian diet has plenty of iron.

In the UK, bread and most breakfast cereals are fortified with iron. Pulses, nuts and leafy veg are good sources.

My iron levels are always really high and I have been veggie for around 40 years! Pulses are great for iron and protein.

No one has messaged me about meat! Why am I being left out!

I eat meat every day, chicken or fish mainly, some pork, no red meat as such.

I cant get enough protein in otherwise as I cant eat the volume needed from lentils and pulses which I normally mix with the animal proteins.

Interesting about iron. Many veggies Ihave known did need supplements, perhaps this is changing now as access to better understanding and options becomes available?

I have never much liked meat but absolutely do feel better with a small amount.

As for those who eat it every day and often more than once per day, how do you afford it?????

One of the best ways to increase the iron in your diet is to cook with a cast iron pan.

They say a lot of things...

Meat, especially organ meat, is the most nutritious food that there is. Let that sink in.

Parse? Really?

Bad morning?
And yes, I fucking said PARSED. OK?

I like parse!

Vegan here, for decades. Kids (teen/tween) lifelong vegans. Blood tests always come back great. I am sailing through menopause. Kids are thriving. I don't believe we need to eat meat (or dairy) to be healthy.

I agree with a pp about watching Gamechangers.

As for those who eat it every day and often more than once per day, how do you afford it?????

Being rich? Having different priorities to you? Of course people can afford to eat meat every day. I am a daily meat eater and often have meat with lunch too and I've never even considered the cost of it. I don't eat steak every day but do at least once a week and eat a lot of chicken along with lamb/duck/venison. We're not particularly rich but our household income is above the national average. I've never considered eating meat everyday a luxury

Mmm...

Yes, eating meat three times a day is generally considered excessive and not recommended for overall health. While meat provides essential nutrients, excessive consumption, especially of red and processed meats, can increase the risk of various health problems, including heart disease and certain cancers.

Not sure what circles you run in, but most of the affluent people I know are consuming much less red meat and upping their consumption of whole grains and fish.
Perhaps less status boasting on mumsnet and a tad more education may enlighten you.

Source:NHS.