The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating two to three servings of meat or beans daily. Meat and beans are major sources of high-quality protein in your diet. Meat contains a wide range of nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron and zinc. Beans contribute vitamins A and C, folate and fiber. The addition of meat and beans to your diet should be discussed with your doctor.
Significance of Protein
Protein is built of components called amino acids. Amino acids are used in the body for different activities, such as the growth of muscles, organs, tissues and cells. Animal products such as meat contain all the essential amino acids you need in your diet. Plant sources such as beans are considered "incomplete proteins" because an amino acid is often missed. However, the protein from beans form a "complete protein" when mixed with a grain, nuts or seeds.
Function of Iron
In "The Food Bible," Judith Wills claims that the typical American diet provides enough amounts of iron through meat and beans. An iron deficiency is called amenia and develops due to chronic blood loss and not an iron-poor diet. Iron's main function is to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in your body. The mineral also help fight infection and heal wounds.
Benefits of Zinc
Zinc is a mineral found in beans, beef and other meats. The American Dietetic Association says zinc is necessary for metabolic processes, normal growth, sexual development and proper immune system function. It is also needed to make genetic materials, such as DNA and RNA. You may have a zinc deficiency if you suffer from fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss and a susceptibility to infections.
Function of Fiber
In "The Food Bible," Judith Wills defines fiber as a non-starch polysaccharide that comes mainly from plant cell walls. It passes through the intestines undigested into the bowel. Fiber is fermented by bacteria and gets excreted as stool. Beans are good sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber plays a role in reducing high cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar, preventing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer.
Dangers of Meat
According to the Reader's Digest Association, recent outbreaks of a bacterial infection called E. coli have been traced to contaminated beef. This dangerous type of bacteria inhabits the intestinal tract of cattle. The organism survives in hamburgers and other beef that is served rare. Symptoms of an E.coli infection includes a weakened immune system, diarrhea, kidney failure and sometimes death. It is important to cook the meat thoroughly or substitute beans in as your source of protein.
References
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal;" The Reader's Digest Association; 1997"
- "The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide;" The American Dietetic Association; 1996
- "The Food Bible;" Judith Wills; 1998
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