Steak may repair your heart.
Research published in the journal Nutrition indicated that eating meat can positively affect your heart. “The impact is the same as if you were to stop smoking, cut back on your sodium intake, or exercise more,” explained Korin Miller in For a Healthier Heart, Eat … Steak?
Researchers looked at the consumption of seven amino acids, the building blocks of protein, recognized for retaining heart-healthy properties. In a comparative study of twins, scientist found that the twin that consumed more of the amino acids found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy, beans, lentils, broccoli, and spinach had a healthier heart.
Amino acids help generate new tissue and repair damaged tissue in our bodies. Analysts found that getting more amino acids from meat (glutamic acid, leucine, and tyrosine) resulted in less-stiff arteries.
These same animal-based amino acids also led to lower blood pressure. “Since both high blood pressure and stiff arteries are linked to heart disease, researchers concluded that getting more amino acids in your diet — from meat and plants — can have a positive impact on your heart,” Miller recapped.
Keep in mind that a little goes a long way. A palm-sized steak (approximately 3 ounces) provides enough amino acids to benefit the heart's health.
So fire up that grill!
