Meat, except for those who live in a very cold climate like the polar one, is a rare thing for those who follow a macrobiotic diet.
However, to be objective, we need to evaluate both the positive and negative effects.
Let's start with the positive effects .
The benefits of meat
One of the characteristics that everyone knows about meat consumption is the high amount of protein that animal food brings, even when taken in small quantities.
Another positive feature is the presence of vitamin B12, a substance that is produced solely by bacteria, and is only absorbed and accumulated by the animal's body. We also meet this vitamin in fermented plant foods such as natto and tempeh, but these must be produced in not exactly perfect hygienic conditions, as the bacteria that synthesize it live in the environment. Therefore, unless supplements are used, animal food remains the only source.
Unfortunately for meat lovers the list of negativities is a little longer.
The negative effects of meat consumption on the body
The first thing that makes us think is the production of uric acid which is formed by the catabolism of purines, components of nucleic acids. And since we humans are unable to synthesize it in large quantities, but only to the extent that we need it, it can easily create problems and accumulations, especially in the kidneys.
Red meat greatly increases the risk of contracting gout, linked to the accumulation of uric acid. It should be noted that the purines of plant foods show no association with this disease.
Then there is the problem of saturated fats and cholesterol . In fact, red meat contains a quantity of saturated fat that is around 50% of the total, the level goes down in other meats and reaches only 15% in fish, which is always recommended as a substitute. These fats are those that obstruct the normal functioning of the cardio-circulatory system, and which accompany the negativity of our evaluation on the plate. Not to be underestimated is LDL cholesterol, which is also present in modest quantities. In fact, our body is able to synthesize both cholesterol and the saturated fatty acids it needs.
The last note concerns breeding . What are the conditions in which animals live today are well known, when they are bred intensively they do not pay much attention to the "quality of life" of animals, but look carefully at the economic balance. So farmers have few scruples about using hormones or antibiotics to prevent disease and to speed up growth. Unfortunately these substances end up on our plate.
We would then have to talk about the effects caused on the mind and on the spirit, which are not just effects because they escape the common interest, it is enough to mention the fact that many spiritual or religious traditions such as the Buddhist invite to periods of abstention from the foods of origin animal, but this is only understandable in a perspective that takes into account the energy of the food and of those who pay attention to it.
