Avoid excessive meat consumption: experts

Consuming fat from sacrificial meat leads to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and increased blood pressure

KARACHI:

Nutritionists caution against excessive meat consumption during the festivity of Eidul Adha.

The health experts advise people with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to be mindful of their meat intake during the occasion.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nutritionist Afira Anees Saad said that a healthy adult should limit meat consumption to a maximum of 70 grams per day. She urged citizens to exercise moderation in their meat consumption.

It is recommended to minimise the storage time of sacrificial meat, favouring distribution over preservation. She advised to consume mutton over beef, noting that excessive beef consumption may not benefit even healthy persons.

Afira underscored that consuming fat from sacrificial meat can lead to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased blood pressure, particularly risky for those with heart conditions. They clarified that consuming meat once a day does not adversely affect health.RNutritionists suggest that elderly persons and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should limit beef consumption and opt for fish, local chicken, or mutton instead.

They propose to divide the recommended 65 to 70 grams of daily meat consumption into three to four servings if desired. "A spike in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and digestive issues post Eidul Azha due to overindulgence in fatty meats and sweets", advises the nutritionist.