Meat has always been one of the main ingredients used in the diets of many cultures and human societies. Its consumption is as old as the origins of our species, and its nutritional characteristics, as well as the methods by which it has been obtained, have had a clear influence on the development of history.

But this food is not something totally homogeneous and without variations, but there are different types of meat that it is good to know. In the end, the only thing these pieces of food have in common is that they are part of the muscle mass of a wide range of animal species, and many of them are not at all similar.

But knowing how to recognize types of meat is not a matter of pure interest in theory; it also has very practical uses. For example, you should know that abusing some of them can lead us to important health problems, so to maintain a balanced diet it is necessary to be clear about the characteristics that define them.

Red and white meats: a basic distinction

To begin this classification, it is good to know the two main categories of meat types. S and deals with red meat, on the one hand, and white meat on the other .

Red meat

Red meats are generally less healthy than white ones, and that is why it is necessary to moderate their consumption more. One of the reasons for this is that it contains a greater quantity of purines, substances that once they have passed into the organism they transform into uric acid , which is harmful if its quantity reaches a certain level.

White meat

White meats do not comply with the characteristic we have seen that describes red meats, and in addition they tend to be lighter . But that doesn’t mean that they are healthy in any context. For example, it is common for them to contain a large amount of bad fats, although this is not always the case and depends, in part, on the area from which the cut comes: thigh, loin, etc.

Types of meat

We have already seen how the main categories describing the types of meat are, but we can still get to a greater level of detail. To do this, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of species or family of species from which this food comes.

Below is a summary of the types of meat that are most commonly consumed in Western countries.

1. Beef

This type of meat is one of the most consumed. However, as it is red meat, it is preferable to include it on the menu a maximum of once every two or three weeks, and no more, because of its concentration of purines and bad fats . Or, better still, do not consume it at all and opt for other sources of protein. However, it is also coniocidal because it is very popular for its taste.

2. Of birds

This is a type of white meat that is also highly consumed, usually resorting to chicken. In addition, in most cases the concentration of fat in this kind of animal is low; this makes this food useful for people who are interested in developing their muscles without gaining fat. An exception is the case of duck meat, whose consumption is preferable to be moderate.

3. Of rabbit

It is another type of white meat, and one of those that contain less fat (being, moreover, mostly healthy, as it is unsaturated).On the other hand, it is also characterized by being a food rich in vitamin B.

3. Pig

As much as red meat is often associated with large mammals, the truth is that most pork is made up of white meat. In addition, the fat it contains is usually relatively low.

In spite of what we have seen about this food, you have to be careful when you cook it , because many times these processes of elaboration go through a lot of frying, which increases its content in fat and calories.

4. Of goat and sheep

Unlike rabbit meat, for example, the fat it contains is saturated, making it unhealthy. However, goat meat is rather low in fat, so can occasionally be consumed in slimming diets or not covering muscle.

5. Fish

Fish is usually high in Omega 3 , a very healthy type of fat that is also found in nuts and dried fruit. In addition, it is generally low in fat, so it is a good source of protein.

A balanced diet

In order to live a healthy life, we have to take into account that our lifestyles lead us to consume, as a rule, more meat than we need. It is true that protein is indispensable, but there are many more sources from which to extract these macronutrients : for example, tofu or seitan. In particular, red meat has become the second most popular dish. Replacing it with healthier choices, instead of giving in to simple habit, can contribute greatly to our well-being.