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Mediterranean diet and cardio-metabolic health: what is the role of meat?

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 72, pages 4–7 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Traditional Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits in prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases and risk factors associated with it. The role of red meat in Mediterranean diet is to some extent overlooked with the main focus on foods of plant origin. The majority of existing guidelines encourage general population to limit intakes of red meat. However, in reality, it is a significant part of the Mediterranean cuisine. Red meat is an excellent source of macro and micronutrients: high-quality protein, B vitamins, essential amino acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and selenium. Currently, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest the strict limitation of the red meat consumption among the general population, however, there is a substantial evidence to support the advice to eliminate the consumption of processed meat from the diet.

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Funding

This article is published as part of a supplement sponsored by the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and the Diputació de Barcelona.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland

    Irina Uzhova

  2. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA

    José Luis Peñalvo

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  1. Irina Uzhova
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  2. José Luis Peñalvo
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Correspondence to Irina Uzhova.

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Uzhova, I., Peñalvo, J.L. Mediterranean diet and cardio-metabolic health: what is the role of meat?. Eur J Clin Nutr 72 (Suppl 1), 4–7 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0303-y

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