Before discussing the health effects of red meat, it’s important to distinguish between different types of meat. Red meat comes from non-fowl mammals and is named such because it is red when raw.
Beef, pork, lamb, venison, and boar are examples of red meat. Chicken, turkey, and other meats from fowl (birds) are white meat because these are white after being cooked UFABET
Besides the specific animal it came from, meat can also be distinguished by how it’s raised and processed. Here are some key terms to know:
- Conventional meat: Conventional meats are from animals that are usually raised in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or “factory farms,” which confine animals and provide them with grain-based feeds. Beef that is not labeled “organic” or “grass-fed” is likely conventional and from CAFO cows.
- Grass-fed meat: This meat comes from cows that graze on grass and forage for their feed. They are not raised in a CAFO.
- Organic meat: To have an organic label, meat must come from animals that are given 100% organic feed and forage and are raised in a way that accommodates grazing and other natural behaviors. They also do not receive antibiotics or hormones.
- Processed meats: These products are typically from conventionally raised animals and go through various processing methods, such as curing or smoking. Examples include sausages, hot dogs, and bacon.
- Unprocessed meats: Meats that aren’t cured, smoked, or otherwise heavily processed are typically referred to as unprocessed. However, since all meat is processed to some extent, the term “unprocessed” generally refers to minimally processed meats, such as ground beef or sirloin.