There are some suggested benefits to a diet low in animal fat. Some people choose to eat a diet completely devoid of animal fat. But there are potential benefits in cutting back on animal fat without cutting it out altogether. Let's look at some of the possible risks of a diet high in animal fat, and the benefits of consuming less of it.
1. Cholesterol
There's been a lot of talk about cholesterol lately, and the possible effects of animal fat consumption on cholesterol levels. The general consensus is that saturated fat, which is mainly found in animal flesh or dairy products, is not a healthy form of fat. If you cut back on animal fat, it may help lower your cholesterol levels.
2. Heart health
Saturated animal fats have been associated with plaque build-up in the arteries. Thus, consuming less animal fat may well enhance your cardiovascular health.
3. More variety
If you cut back on animal fats in the form of fatty red meat, butter, full-fat cheese, whole milk, bacon, sausages, etc., then you will want to fill the void with something else. This opens up the possibility of new dishes and greater variety. Experts agree that a varied diet is, as a general rule, healthier than a monotonous one.
4. More room for good fats
As you seek new recipes and ways of cooking with less animal fat, you may find there's room for the healthy fats. Maybe you could prepare a healthy, grain-based meal featuring flaxseed bread instead of ground meat burgers, or a nut-based loaf instead of ground meatloaf.
5. Better for the environment
The less animal fat people consume, the less reason there is to raise animals on feedlots and destroy forest land to make way for animal grazing. There are also concerns about the environmental risks of the methane produced by dairy and beef cattle. Eating more plant-based fats and a diet with less animal fat may therefore have a positive effect on the environment.
6. Weight loss
You may find yourself becoming leaner as you adopt a diet low in animal fat. As you fill up on fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of meat, it's likely that you will feel fuller longer.
7. Cancer
According to many experts, a diet high in animal fat increases your risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. There are also concerns that the hormones fed to beef cattle may cause endocrine imbalances in the body, possibly setting the stage for cancers like breast cancer. Thus, a diet low in animal fat may decrease your risk of cancer.
