BY MURPHY GARCIA, Editor

Some may not know that a basic protein on the dinner plate is a hidden menace to the body. Sure, candy, cookies, donuts and other junk food can do it, too, but this particularly popular item does something different. Red or processed (manufactured and homogenized meat) meat presents a long term danger for the body.

Although red meat is a must-have item in some households and a common occurrence in most cultures, there are major health risks associated with consuming large amounts of it. Heart disease and diabetes are probably the most known risks. It isn’t 100 percent certain, but more and more research is being done to find out if cancer is linked with eating red or processed meats. However, it is certain that colorectal cancer is linked, and scientists are verifying if types of stomach and lung cancer are connected as well.

“Well, for people, who suffer from high cholesterol,  it is recommended that they incorporate more fish and chicken in their diets. Years ago, I read where processed meats may be related to cancer, so I try not to eat much processed meats,” school nurse Barbara Giese said.

 Sometimes, people don’t know where to draw the line when it comes to the considerations of “is it actually red.” A good way of looking at it is if the meat is pure red when it is raw, it is a red meat. If it cooks to be a lighter white-ish color, it is not. If it bleeds a lot or if it is very pink inside when cut into, it is a red meat. Common examples of red meat are beef, pork and lamb.

In order to create a healthier lifestyle, the meat doesn’t have to be deleted. Eating in moderation is preferred over everyday consumption because the proper amount of proteins is still being received. It is like a regular weight-loss diet, it isn’t necessary to cut out every single sweet or junk food on the planet. Having a cookie or a bowl of ice cream every once in awhile is a good way to reassure yourself and curb the craving.

 Sophomore vegetarian Sarah Wolfe, who started her journey through non-meat eating in fifth grade, says that there are many protein alternatives to meat.

 “I only eat some fish. I eat tofu, spinach salads and beans,” Wolfe said.

 Another vegetarian, sophomore Samantha Havlin, prefers alternative foods.

 “I realized how horribly the animals are treated,” Havlin said.

She replaces her meat with other protein foods.

“I eat tofu, nut products, iron vitamins, protein shakes and a ton of grains,” Havlin said.

 It is healthier to have steak once a week rather than three times a week, and substitute some healthy alternatives like poultry and fish on other days. Fish such as tuna or salmon contain a lot of omega antioxidants which are really good for the immune system.

There is an existing exception, that may be appealing to red meat lovers. Buffalo meat which is 100 percent grass-fed, is a healthier option than beef. It is high in nutrients, contains many omega three fatty acids, and not to mention it is rich in flavor. Because buffaloes are only fed earthy food, the meat is lower in calories, cholesterol and fat. Another bonus is it has 40 percent more protein than other red meat.

Additionally, there are turkey/chicken dogs, turkey bacon, turkey burgers, chicken and turkey breakfast sausages. These examples of white meats are much leaner in fat and have more protein than any red meat, because of the lack of processing.