Avoid excessive consumption of red meat during Eid: health experts

Health experts have advised people to avoid eating excessive red meat during Eid-ul-Azha as it can increase the risk of various diseases.

Excessive red meat can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular, kidney, liver, diabetes and gastroenteritis diseases.

Dr Arif Majeed said eating excessive meat during Eid-ul-Azha could have negative impacts on health and especially for those who stored this meat for several months.

He added that use of frozen meat could be harmful as it may affect kidneys and cause cardiac problems.

Dr. Wasim Khawaja of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said, while speaking to The News, that overeating could cause gastric irritation, high cholesterol, acidity, abdominal contraction, nausea, diarrhea, heart problems, and constipation.

“We, the doctors, don’t stop people from consuming high-calorie food and drinks but as they say excess of everything is bad, all that should be taken modestly. A small intake of meaty food with lots of salad is strongly advised,” he said.

Khawaja added the people should not skip meals during Eid days as taking balanced food and drinks at regular intervals would help keep cholesterol level in control. He said compared with fizzy beverages, use of water was better, as it could help avoid intake of excessive liquid calories.

He also suggested tea after meals during Eid days.

Dr. Masood Ahmad, a dietitian at a private hospital, also recommended low-fat dishes during Eid and said that would help the people enjoy the festival to the maximum. He said since most of the food on Eid-ul-Azha was meat-based, use of fat and high-calorie sauces in their preparation should be avoided.

Ahmad added that the people’s focus should be on Eid celebrations and not stuffing themselves with meat and opt for stroll after a meal to burn calories. 

Suggesting use of oral saline for diarrhea and antacid for gastric problem, he added that in case of any serious condition, a doctor should be consulted without delay.