Meat

Meat is animal (and/or human) flesh which is food. Most often is used to describe skeletal muscle and fat that is found with it. Types of meat include beef and veal from cattle, pork, ham and bacon from pigs, mutton from sheep, venison from deer, fish, insects, and poultry from chickens, ducks and turkeys. The word meat is also used for sausages and for non-muscle organs which are used for food, for example liver, brain, and kidneys.

In the meat processing industry, the word "meat" can be used to mean only the flesh of mammalian species such as pigs, cattle, etc. but does not include fish, insects and poultry.

Red meat refers to meat that is obtained from mammals, particularly beef, pork, lamb, and veal. It is characterized by its reddish color, primarily due to the presence of myoglobin, a protein responsible for oxygen storage in muscle tissues.^[1]^[2]

Animals such as members of the cat family that mainly eat animals are called carnivores.

Health

Meat is an important part of the diet of many people because it has protein. Protein helps the growth and healing of a body and gives energy. Meat is a "high protein" food, but costs more than other foods like bread and vegetables.^[3] Meat is also a source of B vitamins. People who cannot afford meat, or who do not like to eat it need to find other ways to get enough protein in their diet. Beans and certain nuts are also high in protein, but plant protein might not be as easy to absorb as animal protein.^[4] People that choose not to eat meat are called vegetarians, and those who do not eat any animal products are known as vegans.

Red meat is darker-coloured meat (usually from mammals), different from white meat such as chicken or fish. There is a greater risk of diseases and parasites when eating raw meat, but there are some special dishes which are made from raw meat. Examples are steak tartare, sushi, oysters. The meat used in these dishes are usually of high quality.

Types of Meat

According to the National Health Service (NHS), meat is defined as "meat from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, including veal, lamb, and pork".^[5]

Beef refers to the flesh of mature cattle, specifically distinguished from veal. It is a type of red meat known for its firm texture, marbling, and rich flavor. High-quality beef has lean, velvety, well-marbled flesh of bright red color^[6].

Types of meat include beef, lamb, and pork

Pork is the meat derived from hogs, typically slaughtered between six months and one year old. It is classified as red meat and is widely consumed worldwide. Pork comes in various cuts and is known for its versatility.^[7]

Lamb meat^[8] is the tender and mild-flavored meat from young sheep, typically under 12 months old. It is also classified as red meat and is rich in essential amino acids, high-quality protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron. Lamb is lean compared to other red meats and contains unique antioxidants like CLA.

Goat meat, also known as mutton, is the flesh of goats and is considered red meat.^[9] It is consumed in various cuisines around the world. Goat meat is lean, tender, and has a distinct flavor.

Chicken meat is made up of different edible portions such as the breast, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. It is a widely enjoyed and flexible type of poultry meat that is abundant in protein and low in fat. With a variety of cuts to choose from, chicken can be utilized in numerous recipes and prepared using various cooking techniques.^[10]

Duck meat is obtained from various types of ducks, such as Peking, Serati, and Balinese ducks. Ducks are waterfowl known for their tender and tasty meat, thanks to their higher fat content. Duck meat is considered a white meat, similar to chicken, and can be used as an alternative in cooking. It offers a distinct flavor and is appreciated by many.^[11]

In religion

Due to religious dietary law, halal (حلال), meaning permissible in Arabic, is used as a visual marker for Muslims in shops and on products. Likewise, kosher (כַּשְׁרוּת‎) means food sourced and prepared according to Jewish tradition. In Hinduism eating beef is a complete sin because they believe cow as their mother.

Meat Media

Raw meat (clockwise from left): chicken, beef, bacon, pork chops
The welfare of farm animals such as hens in battery cages and other systems is debated.
Risk of ischemic heart disease for each 50 g per day increase in processed meat consumption
Cereal-use statistic showing an estimated large fraction of crops used as animal feed (red)
Meat production is a main driver of tropical deforestation, in the Amazon largely due to beef production for export.
Life-cycle assessment of GHG emissions for foods. Beef is the food with the largest carbon footprint, mainly due to methane production from cows.
Catholic nuns buying meat in Italy
A shoulder of lamb
A Hereford bull, a breed of beef cattle
Supermarket meat, North America