Red meat can harm your heart and cause weight gain, so you may want to cut back. According to Richards, this meat can also damage bone density.
"Excessive red meat consumption can interfere with bone density due to several factors," she explains, noting that sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine might lower calcium intake, which is essential for bone health.
"When metabolized, these amino acids produce acids that increase urine calcium excretion, weakening bones over time," Richards said. "High red meat intake often deprives bone-healthy foods like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K." Yikes!
Not only that. The type of iron in red meat may also reduce bone density. "Red meat contains heme iron, which, in excess, may cause oxidative stress, affecting bone health
Finally, Richards says, "The imbalanced intake of nutrients and the acid load from excessive red meat can disrupt the delicate balance needed for optimal bone formation and maintenance
thereby contributing to reduced bone density and an increased risk of bone-related issues."
Naturally, talking to a doctor about your needs is the greatest method to maintain bone density. While food plays a key role in the issue, minimizing red meat will help your bones and general health.