Red meat includes fresh beef, pork, lamb, mutton and veal, as well as processed meats that come from these animal sources. These foods can add value to your diet, as they are rich in protein, iron, B vitamins and zinc. However, their saturated fat and cholesterol content can adversely affect your health, and the manner in which red meat is produced, processed and cooked can also impact your well-being. For these reasons, limiting your intake of this type of meat can improve your overall health and lower your risk of developing disease.