By: Jack Whalen
Red meat is a considerable controversy today regarding how healthy or unhealthy it is. One significant subsection of this is how red meat affects the brain. Today, we will review the positives and negatives of red meat and its effect on ADHD. Red meat is well known for its high protein content, making it an essential source of vital nutrients. Protein is the second most abundant component in our body's tissue, so consuming enough protein is critical for optimal brain function and ensuring that our brain cells receive the necessary nutrition. The amino acids present in proteins play a crucial role in enabling neurons to communicate with each other. Additionally, certain fats like omega-3 fatty acids can interact with each other thanks to the presence of proteins. This effect explains why a protein-rich meal during midday can enhance alertness in many people. On the other hand, consuming a large amount of carbohydrates may lead to tiredness in people. Furthermore, protein in your diet helps increase tyrosine levels, another essential amino acid. Tyrosine aids the brain in producing various chemical messengers that facilitate efficient mental performance. Meat is particularly rich in vitamin B12 (more on vitamin B-12 in a separate article on learning differently), which plays a crucial role in preventing mental issues such as fatigue, brain fog, and nerve damage and even reduces age-related decline in brain volume. Research has shown a correlation between low vitamin B12 levels and memory loss. It should be noted that vegans often face deficiencies in vitamin B12 because they only eat meat if they regularly take supplements.
Some evidence indicates that regularly consuming large amounts of red meat may negatively affect brain health. This negative effect is because red meat contains high levels of saturated fat, which has been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Also, Red meat is a source of heme iron, which has been shown to promote the production of harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause damage to cells and tissues, including brain cells. Certain studies have suggested that a high intake of red meat may also elevate the risk of stroke, potentially leading to brain damage and cognitive decline. It's important to acknowledge that these findings are primarily based on observational studies meaning they can only demonstrate an association rather than establish causation. More research is required to understand the potential impacts of red meat on brain health. In general, it is advisable to maintain a diverse and balanced diet that incorporates various protein sources, including plant-based options like beans, lentils, and nuts. Furthermore, limiting one's consumption of saturated fat and processed meats is crucial as they have been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes.
The research on if red meat is mixed as some say it increases risk, while others say it lowers it. What remains constant, however, is that processed meats are consistently rated worse for people with ADHD, so perhaps it is better to choose natural red meats. There is still limited research on the relationship between the two, like ADHD. However, it is also recommended to choose lean cuts of meat and limit the consumption of processed meats, often high in unhealthy fats and additives.
Bibliography
Admin. (2023, May 1). Top 5 reasons that eating meat can make you smarter. Beck & Bulow. https://www.beckandbulow.com/eating-meat-can-make-you-smarter/#:~:text=Meat%20is%20plentiful%20in%20vitamin,to%20correlate%20with%20memory%20loss.
Diet & Nutrition in regard to people with dyslexia. fatty acids, iron, zinc?. Dyslexia A2Z | “Dedicated to Raising Awareness of Dyslexia and other SpLD’s.” (2023, February 21). https://dyslexiaa2z.com/health-dyslexia/diet-nutrition-dyslexia/
WebMD. (n.d.). ADHD diet and Nutrition: Foods to eat & foods to avoid. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-diets
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