Meat Consumption Is Down

By Anthony Gatt

Canadians are eating less meat according to a study by Dalhousie University. The study also found 32% plan to reduce their meat consumption in the next six months.

Although there are several factors to the decision to stop eating red meat, one factor stands out in particular and that is health. The study by Dalhousie was conducted on over 1000 Canadians and says that by having a high meat intake in your diet you are more prone to cancers such as colorectal and prostate. Other factors such as price, environmental concerns and the well being of animals also play a huge part.

Meat Consumption might be down but the study also reveals that many people (especially older men) still believe meat is integral part of their diet and plan on continuing to eat it. So that asks a bigger question is it meat in general or red meat specifically.

Daniel Giantopoulos, a personal trainer who advises people on their diets,  says red meat consumption is down due to the same factors that meat consumption is down but there is bigger story to this. Red meat is higher in both saturated fats and cholesterol compared to more leaner meats like chicken or turkey which can cause significant health concerns if you frequently eat it. Money talks, red meat cost more than others which for low income people or families can be a turn off for what you get compared to pack of chicken.

Finally Giantopoulos says there are so many alternatives to get protein such as lentils and beans.  He believes that’s why more and more young people are becoming vegetarians or vegans because you don’t have to eat meat to be healthy and you are also helping the environment tremendously.