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Negatives of Eating Beef

Many people find a juicy hamburger or steak mouthwatering, but eating too much beef is bad for your health and the environment. Although beef provides protein and some nutrients, such as iron and potassium, it isn't necessary for a healthy diet. Consider the downsides of eating beef before you order or prepare red meat.

  1. Health Effects

    • Eating too much beef adds unnecessary saturated fat to your diet, which increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Eating excessive amounts of meat may also increase your risk of obesity, diabetes and cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research advise people to limit their daily consumption of red meat to 3 oz. or less.

    Environmental Strain

    • Livestock herds produce 10 percent of all greenhouse gases, according to Compassion in World Farming Trust. This contributes to global warming and acid rain. Livestock herds also produce 13 billion tons of waste each year, which is rich in nitrogen and pollutes land and water. The fertilizer required to grow grain to feed cattle and other livestock also pollutes the environment.

    Social Costs

    • It takes 16 pounds of grain to produce 1 lb. of beef, according to U.S. Department of Agricultural Economic Research Service estimates. Eating less meat would help the U.S. and other countries reduce hunger. Beef also uses large amounts of water, which is scarce in many areas of the world. In addition, the spread of a Western diet including large amounts of red meat contributes to increased rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, which increase the cost of health care. Finally, the use of antibiotics to increase growth and reduce diseases in livestock contributes to antibiotic resistance and the evolution of new strands of disease.

    Animal Cruelty

    • Cattle and other livestock are bred and slaughtered in inhumane conditions, with little to no access to fresh air or exercise, according to the Compassion in World Farming Trust. Animals frequently sustain injuries from being kept in captivity. Veal is produced by raising calves in tiny crates where they are force-fed a milk-based diet. Many people believe this is ethically wrong, because cattle and other animals are capable of feeling pain and fear.

    Considerations

    • You don't have to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet to reduce the harm of eating beef. Cutting back on the meat in your diet, such as by eating vegetarian certain days of the week or using meat as a garnish instead of a main dish, also improves your health and reduces your environmental impact. Purchasing locally raised, grass-fed beef may also be healthier and better for the environment.

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