This document provides information about red meat and body odor. It defines red meat as coming from mammals such as pigs, lambs, and cows. It recommends consuming less than 90g per day and discusses safe handling and cooking practices to prevent foodborne illness. Both the nutritional benefits and potential health risks of red meat are outlined, such as links to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The document also discusses what causes body odor, including bacteria breaking down sweat in areas with apocrine glands like the armpits. Tips for preventing and reducing body odor include showering daily, using anti-bacterial soap, applying deodorant, choosing breathable fabrics, changing one's diet, and shaving hair in odor-
3. DEFINATION:
• WHAT IS RED MEAT?
• Red meat is generally meat derived from farm reared mammals, such as:
• Pork, ham and other cuts from pigs
• Lamb
• Beef
• Red meat is a popular food amongst those following a paleo diet, in which
food choices are guided by judging which foods would have been
available to our ancient ancestors.
• Followers of a paleo diet will often try to seek food that is unprocessed
and where the animals have been fed a natural diet.
4. HOW MUCH SHOULD WE INTAKE:
• RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF RED MEAT
• The Department of Health advises people to consume 90g or less of red
meat per day. A thin slice of pork, lamb or beef the size of half a slice of
bread provides about 30g of meat.
5. RED MEAT AND ITS HYGIENICITY:
• RED MEAT AND FOOD HYGIENE
• Raw red meat can carry dangerous bacteria so it is important that red
meat is stored, cooked and handled appropriately. Wash your hands after
handling raw meat and wash any utensils and crockery that have been
used for raw meat.
• Red meat should not be reheated more than once to prevent food
poisoning from occurring. When cooking red meat, heat it all the way
through to ensure bacteria inside the meat is killed.
6. DANGERS OF RED MEAT
• Consumption of red meat has been linked with increased incidences of heart disease, colorectal
cancer and type 2 diabetes. The extent of the associations have found to be higher for processed red
meat.
• In 2011, a study by Harvard University made news headlines when it published a study which suggested
that eating unprocessed meat was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• The risk of diabetes was 20% higher in those that ate over 110g of unprocessed red meat a day.
However, the research attracted some criticism for including hamburgers within the unprocessed foods
list. Of those that ate a serving of processed meat, the risk of type 2 diabetes grew 50% higher
• Processed red meat includes meat products that have been cured, pre-cooked, comminuted or had
preservatives and binding ingredients added.
• Examples of processed meat include:
• Hotdogs
• Sausages
• Burgers
• Corned beef
• Salami
• Jerky
• Many hams found in the supermarkets will have been treated with preservatives (such as nitrites) and
may also be made from comminuted (ground) meat.
7. DOES RED MEAT INCREASE YOUR RISK OF
CANCER?
• Many observational studies show that red meat consumption is associated with
an increased risk of cancer (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted
Source).
• The main type of cancer that red meat is believed to cause is colorectal
cancer, the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world.
• A recurrent problem in these studies is that they seem to pool together
processed meat and unprocessed red meat.
• Meta-analyses in which researchers analyze data from many studies show that
the increased risk of colorectal cancer is very low. One meta-analysis found a
weak effect for men, but no effect for women (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted
Source).
• Other studies suggest that it's not the meat itself, but rather harmful
compounds that form when the meat is cooked, that contribute to the
increased risk (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
• Therefore, the cooking method may be a major determinant of the ultimate
health effects of meat.
9. HEART DISEASE, DIABETES AND DEATH
• The effects of red meat on health have been well studied.
• However, most of these studies are so-called observational studies, which are designed to detect
associations but cannot prove causation.
• Several observational studies show that red meat is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular
disease, cancer and death (9Trusted Source).
• Nevertheless, not all red meat has the same health effects.
• A massive review of 20 studies including 1,218,380 individuals found that processed meat was
associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. However, no association was found for
unprocessed red meat (10Trusted Source).
• In the EPIC study, a very large observational study including 448,568 people, processed meat increased
the risk of death, while no effect was seen for unprocessed red meat (11Trusted Source).
• When it comes to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and death, it’s crucial to distinguish
between processed and unprocessed meat, as the two can have vastly different effects.
• The observational studies seem to agree that processed meat (not unprocessed red meat) is associated
with an increased risk of an early death and many diseases.
• But even so, it’s important to keep in mind that these studies have limitations. It’s impossible to draw
strong conclusions from observational studies.
• The only way to establish cause and effect is to perform randomized controlled trials.
10. NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
• Red Meat Is Very Nutritious
• Red meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat.
• It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and various other nutrients that can have profound effects on
health.
• A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of raw ground beef (10% fat) contains (2):
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): 25% of the RDA
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): 37% of the RDA (this vitamin is unattainable from plant foods)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 18% of the RDA
• Iron: 12% of the RDA (this is high-quality heme iron, which is absorbed much better than iron from plants)
• Zinc: 32% of the RDA
• Selenium: 24% of the RDA
• Plenty of other vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts
• This comes with a calorie count of 176, with 20 grams of quality animal protein and 10 grams of fat.
• Red meat is also rich in important nutrients like creatine and carnosine. Non-meat eaters are often low in these
nutrients, which may potentially affect muscle and brain function (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5).
• Grass-fed beef is even more nutritious than grain-fed beef, containing plenty of heart-healthy omega-3s, the fatty
acid CLA and higher amounts of vitamins A and E (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8).
11. IS RED MEAT BAD FOR YOU, OR GOOD?
• Red meat is the meat of mammals, which is normally red when raw.
• It’s one of the most controversial foods in the history of nutrition.
• Although humans have been eating it throughout evolution, many people
believe it can cause harm.
• Below is a review of the evidence on the health effects of red meat. The
article does not tackle ethical and environmental issues.
12. TODAY'S MEAT ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE
• Today's Meat Isn't What It Used to Be
• People have been eating meat throughout evolution and have digestive systems well equipped to handle it.
• Traditional populations like the Masai have eaten much more red meat than the average Westerner but remained in excellent health (1).
• However, the meat consumed today is different than the meat people ate in the past. Back in the day, animals roamed free and ate
grass, insects or other foods natural to them.
• Picture a wild cow on a field 10,000 years ago, roaming free and chewing on grass and various other edible plants.
• The meat from this animal is different than the meat derived from a cow that was born and raised in a factory, fed grain-based feed and
given growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics.
• Today, some meat products are highly processed after the animals have been slaughtered. They are smoked, cured, then treated with
nitrates, preservatives and various chemicals.
• Therefore, it is very important to distinguish between different types of meat:
• Processed meat: These products are usually from conventionally raised cows, then go through various processing methods. Examples
include sausages and bacon.
• Conventional red meat: Conventional red meats are fairly unprocessed, but the cows are usually factory farmed. Meats that are red
when raw are defined as red meats. This includes lamb, beef, pork and some others.
• White meat: Meats that are white when cooked are defined as white meats. This includes meat from poultry like chicken and turkey.
• Grass-fed, organic meat: This meat comes from animals that have been naturally fed and raised organically, without drugs and
hormones. They also don't have any artificial chemicals added.
• When examining the health effects of meat, it's important to realize that not all meat is created equal.
• Many studies on red meat, especially those conducted in the US, primarily examine meat from factory-farmed animals that have been
fed grain-based feeds.
13. WHAT IS BODY ODOR?
• When a body gives off a scent others may find unpleasant, it is known as body
odor.
• Body odor usually becomes evident if measures are not taken when a human
reaches puberty. People who are obese, those who regularly eat spicy foods,
as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are
more susceptible to having body odor.
• People who sweat too much, such as those with hyperhidrosis, may also be
susceptible to body odor. However, often the salt level of their sweat is too
high for the bacteria to break down. It depends on where the excess sweating
is occurring and which type of sweat glands are involved.
• Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. It is the rapid multiplication of
bacteria in the presence of sweat and their breaking down of sweat into acids
that eventually causes the unpleasant smell.
14. • Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places:
• feet
• groin
• armpits
• genitals
• pubic hair and other hair
• belly button
• anus
• behind the ears
• the rest of the skin, to a lesser extent
• Body odor can have a pleasant and specific smell to the individual and can be used to
identify people, especially by dogs and other animals. Each person’s unique body odor
can be influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication.
15. CAUSES
• Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and is largely
linked to the apocrine glands. Most body odor comes from these.
• These glands are found in the breasts, genital area, eyelids, armpits, and
ear. In the breasts, they secrete fat droplets into breast milk. In the ear,
they help form earwax. Apocrine glands in the skin and the eyelids are
sweat glands.
• Most of the apocrine glands in the skin are located in the groin, armpits,
and around the nipples. In the skin, they usually have an odor. They are
scent glands.
• The apocrine glands are mainly responsible for body odor because the
sweat they produce is high in protein, which bacteria can break down
easily.
16. PREVENTION
• A large concentration of apocrine glands is present in the armpits, making that area susceptible to the rapid
development of body odor.
• The following steps may help control armpit odor:
• 1) Keep the armpits clean: Wash them regularly using anti-bacterial soap, and the number of bacteria will be kept low,
resulting in less body odor.
• 2) Hair: When armpits have hair, it slows down the evaporation of sweat, giving the bacteria more time to break it
down into smelly substances. Shaving the armpits regularly has been found to help body odor control in that area.
Reusable razors are available to purchase online.
• 3) Deodorant or antiperspirant: Deodorants make the skin more acidic, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
An antiperspirant blocks the sweating action of the glands, resulting in less sweating. Some studies, however, have
indicated that antiperspirants may be linked to breast cancer or prostate cancer risk.
• This study suggests that current research is inconclusive on the risks of antiperspirant sprays.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants with natural ingredients are available to purchase online.
17. RISK FACTORS
• Besides apocrine glands and bacteria messing with your sweat, there are certain things
that can make you more apt to develop body odorL3
• Being overweight: Skin folds can hold sweat and bacteria, making a more hospitable
home for body odor.
• Eating spicy, pungent foods: These don't actually make your sweat any smellier, but the
scents of pungent foods can permeate through your skin, making body odor seem worse.
• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, kidney or liver problems, overactive thyroid, and
(extremely rare) genetic conditions can cause a change in your normal body scent. In
some cases, an odd body odor can be a sign of something more serious. For example, a
bleach-like or urine-like smell may mean kidney or liver problems. If you notice an odd
change in your normal body odor or feel something is just not right, contact your doctor.
• Stress: Stress causes your apocrine glands to work overtime. Remember, these are the
glands that cause smelly sweat. So, you may notice a sudden breakout of B.O. right
before your big presentation or after a particularly hair-raising event.
• Genetics: Some people are just more prone to developing body odor than others.
• Excessive sweating: A condition called hyperhidrosis can cause you to sweat a lot, as
can menopause. And some people just naturally sweat more than others.
19. TIPS FOR REDUCING BODY ODOR
• Body odor can be embarrassing, but luckily, in the majority of cases, it doesn't
signal a serious problem. There are things you can do to banish B.O., or at
least tone it down a notch.4
• Shower Daily
• Shower at least once daily. Use soap or shower gel and lather up thoroughly,
especially in areas prone to B.O.
• In especially hot, humid areas, a twice-daily shower may be in order, but using
a washcloth to wash just your armpits, groin and skin folds is effective as well.
It goes without saying—shower ASAP after working out or sweating.
• Use Anti-Bacterial Soap
• If regular showers aren't doing the trick, use an anti-bacterial soap or body
wash like Dial, or a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. These washes can help reduce
the number of bacteria on your skin so there is less to turn sweat into stink.
20. • Choose the Right Underarm Products
• Get the right underarm product. Did you know there are differences?
Deodorants make your underarms a less hospitable home for bacteria.
They also help mask B.O. with fragrance.
• Antiperspirants, on the other hand, block the sweat glands to reduce
perspiration. If you don't sweat much but get body odor, deodorants are
the way to go. If you're a sweater, make sure you get a product that is
labeled both an antiperspirant and deodorant.
• If you get major B.O., look for a stronger product with higher percentages
of active ingredients. If over-the-counter products aren't keeping you
fresh, talk with your doctor about getting a prescription
antiperspirant/deodorant.
• Wear Breathable Fabrics
21. • Natural fabrics, like cotton, are better than polyesters, nylon, and rayon at keeping B.O. at
bay. Natural fibers breathe, allowing the sweat to evaporate away. Avoid fabrics that
trap sweat against the skin. These allow for a better breeding ground for body odor to
develop. When working out, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics.5
• Change Your Diet
• Eliminate or reduce spicy or pungent foods from your diet. Strong smelling foods like
curry, garlic, spicy peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and onions can cause a more
pungent sweat. Even alcohol can have an effect on the smell of your sweat.
• If you eat these types of foods regularly, try reducing them or eliminating them altogether
and see if that doesn't help sweeten your sweat.
• Shave or Wax
• Apocrine glands are concentrated in areas covered by hair, namely the armpits and the
pubic area. The hair holds sweat and makes a good environment where bacteria can
thrive. Removing hair can go a long way in controlling body odor.
• Yes, guys, that means you may want to consider shaving your underarms. If you prefer
not going completely bare in any area, trimming the hair up short can also help reduce
B.O.
22. MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR BODY ODOR
• If you've done everything to help reduce body odor and aren't noticing
improvement, give your doctor a call. You may have something different going
on that needs addressing (a fungal infection, for example). Or, you just may
need a stronger treatment to get body odor under control.
• Some options:4
•
• Prescription antiperspirants/deodorants are stronger than what you can get
over the counter and are typically the first treatment step for body odor.
• Antibiotics, topical and oral, can help reduce bacteria on the skin.
• Botox reduces your eccrine glands' ability to produce sweat. This is not a
permanent fix, though, and treatment needs to be repeated every few months.
• Laser treatment reduces hair follicles, but may not help with B.O.
• Surgery to remove sweat glands is done in extreme cases.
24. FOODS YOU SHOULD TAKE FOR GOOD BODY
ODOR
1. Water vs Beer
Drinking water helps the body flush out toxins that cause bad body odor.
While drinking beer might seem to be a good way to relax after a day's work,
it can cause bad body odor as some of the alcohol seeps out through the
pores of the body.
25. • 2 Yogurt vs milk
• Active cultures present in yogurt lower the amount of odor-causing sulfite
compounds. Also, the vitamin D present in yogurt helps fight bacteria
present in the mouth, thereby reducing bad breath. Milk on the other hand
contains choline which can cause nasty body odor.
26. • 3 Lemon juice vs wine
• Drinking wine might seem like a good way to enjoy your evenings, but a
hangover from over-consumption of alcohol is not the only bad effect - you
might have to go a day with your body smelling like alcohol. Try drinking
lemon with water instead. Lemons help to detox the body due to its high
antioxidant properties, while the water in the juice flushes out the toxins
released.
27. • 4 Herbal tea vs coffee
• Herbal tea is a great source of antioxidants. The fewer toxins the body
has, the better it will smell. Coffee or any caffeinated beverage on the
other hand can cause acrid body odor.
28. • 5 Apple vs cauliflower
• Due to its natural detergent properties, apples help against bad breath.
Cauliflower on the other hand contains choline, a vitamin B-like nutrient
which can cause foul body odor.
29. • 6 Cardamom and cinnamon vs garlic and onion
• Cardamom and cinnamon not only make food tasty but they also make
you more desirable by giving you a fresh and pleasant long lasting odor.
Conversely, garlic and onion contain organic sulfur compounds which get
metabolized and eliminated primarily through pores in the body causing
bad body odor to emanate from the body.
30. • 7 Celery vs asparagus
• Celery helps your body to release pheromones, thereby making you seem
more attractive to the opposite sex. Asparagusic acid in asparagus gets
broken down into sulfur compounds which can give you undesirable body
odor.
31. • 8 White fish vs red meat
• Abstaining from red meat might have some olfactory benefits. A study
showed that women perceived the body odor of men who had a meatless
diet for two weeks as more attractive and pleasant compared to those
who consumed red meat. Digesting fish does not release the same
unpleasant odors that are released while metabolizing red meat. So if you
plan on going on a date, it's better to eat fish rather than red meat.
32. • 9 Fenugreek seeds vs pumpkin seeds
• Fenugreek seeds help to improve your digestive health and aid in the
process of removing bad odor-causing toxins from the body. Pumpkin
seeds contain high choline levels and is a known bad odor-causing agent.
33. • 10 Orange vs pumpkin
• Citrus fruits smell great and get easily absorbed by the body, thereby
giving you a fast way to improve your overall odor. On the other hand,
pumpkin contains choline which gets metabolized into trimethylamine.
Accumulation of trimethylamine in the body can cause bad body odor.