Yes! In recent years, there have been claims that red meat is unhealthy, scaring many people into giving up their much-loved steak in an attempt to be healthier. Little do they know, this might not be the healthiest choice, especially given that Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the world.

Iron and vitamin B12 insufficiency are on the rise, particularly affecting young women. Yes, plant sources can contain Iron (even though the bio-availability and absorption are not as strong), however vitamin B12 can only be found in foods derived from animal sources. Both Iron and Vitamin B12 are essential for your health, playing an important role in both your energy levels and metabolism. Furthermore, red meat is a complete and high source of protein that is easy to digest and contains all of the essential amino acids that you need for good health and physical performance.

The World Health Organisation has stated that the consumption of PROCESSED meat contributes to colon cancer. Processed meat includes things like sausages, bacon and deli meats. They are not talking about a good quality steak, or Chief Bar made from top quality grass-fed meat with no nitrites or harmful chemicals.

Most studies were conducted using people who may not be particularly health conscious or savvy. As Westerners, we tend to overeat red meat, averaging about four times per day! The average consumer buys their meat in a supermarket, because it’s cheaper, not realising that the steak is usually grain fed thus containing more inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids! In Western society, a popular way to consume meat is to char-grill it, usually with the help of harmful hydrogenated vegetable oils, then add a dollop of sugary sauce, a side of fries and a schooner of beer. In this scenario, it’s hard to tell whether cancer is caused by the meat consumption specifically or by excessive consumption of alcohol, hydrogenated oils, chemicals and additives, a sedentary lifestyle or a combination of all these factors.

Red meat is healthy when enjoyed in small amounts. Similar to dark chocolate, one square a day is healthy; a whole block a day is a ‘nutritional disaster’.