Eidul-Adha is an Islamic festival of sacrifice during which Muslims slaughter livestock, such as sheep, goats, and cows, and enjoy eating meat as well as distribute it within the community. However, experts caution against excessive meat consumption during this major Muslim festivity.
“Meat is a very good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but excessive use can lead to many problems. Every year on Eid’s first day evening or the next day, we observe a sudden rise in the number of patients reporting to emergency departments,” said Dr. Hyder Abbasi, a gastroenterologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). He advises people to be cautious while consuming meat on Eid al-Adha to avoid health issues.
Individuals with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol should be particularly mindful of their meat intake during the celebration. According to health experts, excessive meat consumption can lead to conditions such as diarrhea, indigestion, cholera, and other stomach diseases.
Experts recommend that a healthy individual should consume 60 to 100 grams of meat per day, which provides approximately 143 calories, 3 to 5 grams of fat, 26 grams of protein, and several essential vitamins and minerals. They also suggest limiting meat consumption to twice a week.
Medical professionals also emphasize the importance of thoroughly cleaning and cooking meat before consumption. Diabetics are advised to avoid sweet items and minimize meat intake during Eid celebrations.
