Great taste, alone, shouldn’t dictate your dietary choices. Here are 12 good reasons meat and poultry should be part of your balanced diet.
1. Protein. Naturally and completely.
Protein found in meat and poultry is “complete” because it contains all the amino acids essential for health. Animal proteins are complete proteins.[i] And they occur naturally – no protein powder needed. 2. Iron rich.
Meat, fish and poultry contains heme iron, which helps to prevent anemia because the body absorbs this iron better than non-heme iron found in plant foods such as vegetables. Heme iron foods help the body absorb non-heme iron. [ii]3. Bioavailable nutrition.
Nutrients in meat, including iron and zinc are typically more easily absorbed and used by the body. 4. Muscle strength and maintenance.
High- quality protein, e.g. meat and poultry, have been shown to prevent muscle loss as we age more effectively than other protein foods.[iii]5. Bone strength.
Meatless diets have been shown to contain lower amounts of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have important roles in maintaining bone health.[iv]6. Brain function.
Animal products like meat are the only natural sources of Vitamin B12, which promotes brain development in children[v] and helps your nervous system function properly.[vi]7. Heart health.
Mounting, recent evidence shows that lean meat protein could help maintain healthy cardiovascular function.[vii]8. Blood Sugar Control.
A high protein and low carbohydrate diet, which could include lean meat and poultry, can help to control blood sugars. [viii][ix]9. Zinc immunity.
Zinc helps maintain optimal immune function and promotes wound healing.[xxi]Beef is the top dietary source of zinc in the diet.[xii]10. Selenium-rich.
A serving of beef or lamb delivers half a human’s daily selenium needs. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage, promotes proper thyroid function, and may contribute to cancer prevention.[xiii]11. Weight management.
High protein diets that include lean meat and poultry have been shown to promote long term weight loss better than other diets.[xiv][xv]12. Tastes good.
No explanation needed.