Meat As A Whole Food

YES. Meat can be considered a whole food in the sense that it is an unprocessed, minimally refined source of complete protein and various other essential nutrients.

Whole foods are foods that have undergone minimal processing or refinement and are as close to their natural state as possible. Meat, whether it's from beef, chicken, pork, fish, or other animal sources, is typically unprocessed or minimally processed and provides a range of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals.

In contrast, processed meats, such as sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats, are NOT considered whole foods as they have undergone processing that includes additives, preservatives, hormones, and other chemicals that may be harmful to health when consumed in excess.

However, it is worth noting that there is growing concern among health experts about the negative health impacts of consuming large amounts of red and processed meat. Research has linked excessive consumption of red and processed meat with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

So while meat can be considered a whole food, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods derived from a variety of sources, including plants.