If you listen to the dietary advice being handed out by many health professionals, you may believe that red meat is something that you should remove from your shopping list, never to enjoy it again. However, this way of thinking may be hazardous to your health.

Here are three benefits of choosing red meat over other meats:

• It is good for your heart. One study involving 36 people who ate a healthy diet which included 4-6 ounces of lean beef daily found that this type of eating contributed to the subjects lowering their bad cholesterol levels by 10%. Researchers contribute this effect to two specific types of fat found within red meat. 
• It reduces your risk of severe depression and anxiety. In an Australian study, women who consumed a mere 1-2 ounces of either lamb or beef each and every day were 50% less likely to suffer with major depression or an anxiety disorder. It is surmised that the omega-3 fatty acids in red meat are responsible for this benefit.
• It is high in nutrients. Red meat is high in iron and vitamin B, two nutrients necessary for health, and it packs a protein punch. This is especially important if you regularly exercise as protein supplies you with energy and helps your muscles grow.

Sure, you have to be careful of which red meats you eat as they aren’t all created equal. Some have fairly high levels of saturated fat, meaning that they may do you more harm than good.

When you’re shopping for red meat, choose leaner cuts. And while preparing it at home, cut off the visible fat and use healthy cooking methods such as broiling, grilling, or baking.

Additionally, keep portions in check as, with most anything else, this is a case where there can be too much of a good thing.