Is green light beef safe?

The phenomenon of beef appearing iridescent streaks of blue, purple or sparkling like seven rainbow colors is quite common, causing many people to be confused and worried about the quality of the meat. However, you can rest assured because this is largely a natural optical phenomenon caused by light, and does not affect the quality or safety of the food.

This reflective phenomenon is often most clearly seen in beef with firm muscle fibers or processed beef (such as grilled beef, smoked meat, salted beef, and pho meat). If you change your viewing angle or block out the light, these streaks may fade or disappear.

A normal piece of beef is reddish brown in color, the meat is evenly grained, and the fat has a light yellow sheen. If the meat has a dull color, is cloudy, has a strange smell, is mushy… it is a sign of spoilage. At this time, you should remove it to avoid harming your health because the meat may be infected with bacteria.

However, beef belongs to the red meat group. Eating red meat every day can lead to excess iron and excess nutrients. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies red meat as potentially causing cancer (especially colorectal cancer) if consumed in excess of recommended levels.

Therefore, you should prioritize cooking by boiling, steaming or quickly stir-frying. Avoid grilling or frying because it will create carcinogenic substances. Eat beef with vegetables rich in vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, bell peppers, broccoli) to maximize iron absorption.

Red meat should be combined with other protein-rich foods such as white meat (fish, chicken, duck), beans, and mushrooms. Drink lots of water, exercise every day.

According to recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, the appropriate amount of red meat for healthy adults per day is 50-70 g, equivalent to a handful equal to 1-2 palms of an adult’s hand. This amount may vary depending on the individual’s gender, age, health status, and physical activity level. If you want to supplement iron to supplement your blood, you should consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.