The results of a recent study support HCC\u2019s crucial mission to educate consumers on the health benefits of red meat as part of a balanced diet.<\/p>\n
The research shows that just under half the UK consumers questioned said they aren\u2019t getting enough protein in their diet, with 2 in 5 (43%) adults unsure they consume enough of it. While 60% of consumers are aware red meat is a good source of protein, only half (56%) are eating red meat twice or less a week, despite government guidelines recommending people should eat around at most 70g per day, which equates to approximately 500g a week.<\/p>\n
The study, commissioned by Atomik Research on behalf of Hybu Cig Cymru \u2013 Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) highlights a startling knowledge gap amongst UK consumers when it comes to the nutritional value of including red meat in a balanced diet. When asked what benefit protein has for the body, unsurprisingly over half (58%) said protein is good for building muscle. However, only a quarter (25%) of people know that protein helps to defend the body from disease and under a third (28%) are aware that red meat is a good source of B vitamins such as B12, which helps the immune system function properly. Just 33% of consumers know that red meat can help boost your metabolism, and under half (46%) are aware it can help you to maintain a healthy diet.<\/p>\n
Sophie Bertrand, Nutritionist, commented: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Including protein in our diets is vital to help support our overall health, but it\u2019s clear there is still some confusion around what we should be eating in order to reach our daily recommended amount. Eating a variety of foods that contain protein as part of a balanced diet can help to achieve this, and red meat can play an important role for some people. Good-quality red meat like Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are rich-protein sources, vital for building muscle mass, supporting the immune system and helping the body function properly. We know that there is often conflicting information out there, but the fact remains that the nutritional value of red meat is impressive \u2013 including it in our diets can help enhance our wellbeing throughout our lives.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The findings also revealed that alongside protein, consumers are not getting a sufficient amount of iron in their diets, with just over 1 in 5 people (21%) having been diagnosed with an iron deficiency, with the issue being particularly prevalent amongst those aged 18-34 (32%). Despite this, almost half (49%) of this younger age group only eat red meat as a treat \u2013 whilst almost a quarter (24%) of the UK\u2019s meat eaters are including red meat in their diets just once a week, highlighting the importance of incorporating it into your diet regularly.<\/p>\n