An exclusive meat diet focuses on including animal meat at every meal. Meat is your primary source of protein and contains all of the essential amino acids required by your body. Types of meat to consume include grass-fed beef, venison, pork, lamb and calf's liver. An exclusive meat diet provides a concentrated source of many nutrients, including zinc, iron, co-enzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids. Keep in mind that some meats contain a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, which increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Significance of Iron
Heme iron is found in animal foods such as meat. According to the American Dietetic Association, about 15 to 35 percent of heme iron is absorbed by the body. Iron plays a role in delivering oxygen to the body through the bloodstream. In "A Guide to Alternative Medicine," the Mayo Clinic says a lack of iron leads to anemia, which reduces your resistance to infections. However, an exclusive meat diet can result in too much iron, which is called hemochromatosis. This can lead to diabetes and liver damage.
Benefits of Zinc
One of the benefits of an exclusive meat diet is getting enough of the trace mineral zinc. According to "The Food Bible," a zinc deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies found in the Western diet. Calf's liver is one of the best sources of zinc. According to the Reader's Digest Association, zinc is essential for growth, development and sexual maturation. It also helps to regulate your appetite.
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that is manufactured by the body, but can also be found in meat. It is used to produce cell energy for cell development and maintenance. According to the Mayo Clinic, the compound is helpful in treating heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, migraines and Parkinson's disease. The Mayo Clinic also says coenzyme Q10 plays a role in preventing aging and memory loss. However, studies are still being conducted to support these claims.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
An exclusive meat diet recommends eating organically raised meat that has been grass-fed. In "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden says grass-fed beef contains a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids due to a natural diet rather than one that is infused with hormones and antibiotics. According to the American Dietetic Association, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis and arthritis.
Misconceptions
An exclusive meat diet causes concern because of its high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. However, meat can be part of a sensible diet if you choose the right cuts. For beef, choose top loin, top sirloin, round steaks and roasts for low-saturated-fat protein. Purchase ground beef that is 90 percent lean or 95 percent extra-lean. If you want to consume lamb, get leaner portions from the leg, arm or loin. For pork, choose tenderloin or loin chops. Consider branching out of the exclusive meat diet by picking other protein sources, such as fish and beans.
References
- "The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; American Dietetic Association; 1996
- "Guide to Alternative Medicine"; Mayo Clinic; 2011
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
- "Magic Foods"; Reader's Digest Association; 2007
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