7 reasons why a meat shortage might actually be good for your health

Meat products can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. However, eating too much of them has been linked to health issues.Getty Images/William Thomas Cain

• As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, meat factories nationwide temporarily closed, resulting in a possible meat shortage.
• Meat — whether it be white meat like chicken or red meat like beef or pork — can be a healthy part of a balanced diet as long as you don't eat too much of it.
• Meat consumption, and in particular red and processed meat consumption, has been linked to a number of health issues.

Over the last few months, the coronavirus pandemic has caused meat factories nationwide to temporarily close in order to prevent outbreaks within the plants, sparking a potential meat shortage and break in the meat supply chain for American consumers.

Some plants have begun to reopen in recent weeks, but many issues still remain that could affect Americans' access to red, white, and processed meat products.

However, while shortened supply and higher meat prices are not good news, there is a number of reasons limiting your meat intake could make you healthier in the long-run.

"Research into flexitarian or semi-vegetarian dietary patterns has shown benefits including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, lowered blood pressure, and improved dietary quality," Rachael Hartley, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and owner of Rachael Hartley Nutrition who specializes in promoting intuitive eating and non-diet approaches, told Insider.

Here are seven reasons why the meat shortage might actually be good for your health.