A thick, juicy hamburger or crispy pieces of fried chicken are among some of the most popular meat dishes. Meat often receives a poor reputation of being high in fat and calories as well as being a contributor to heart disease and obesity. The wrong cuts and preparation methods can certainly lead to unhealthy eating, but some types of meat should be part of your healthy and well-balanced diet, because they provide several important nutrients.
Protein
Meat is one of the best sources of protein, and adding it to your diet can help you consume enough of this nutrient. Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith report in their book, "The Fiber35 Diet: Nature's Weight Loss Secret," that protein is essential for each and every function your body undertakes. Lean red meat can have a place in your diet as long as it is occasionally. Skinless chicken and turkey are additional meat sources of protein that are lower in saturated fat. Adding about 6 oz. of lean meat to your diet each day will help you get plenty of protein.
Iron
Iron is crucial for the transportation of oxygen throughout your body. Proper oxygen distribution enables all of your body's systems to work together efficiently and will help give you energy as well. Meat is a rich source of iron, Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney note in their book, "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversy," and adding it to your daily diet will help you get plenty. Lean red meat is a notable source of iron, so eating 3 oz. of steak or a small hamburger once or twice a week will boost your intake. Skinless poultry and pork also supply iron.
Zinc
Proper growth and development rely on the presence of zinc in the diet, and meat supplies a good amount of this trace mineral, Sizer and Whitney report. In adults, zinc helps keep your immune system functioning properly so you are able to avoid colds, flu and other illnesses. All types of meat provide some zinc, so choosing the leanest cuts will keep your diet healthy while also providing plenty of this nutrient. Skinless turkey and chicken are low-fat sources, as are lean beef with no visible fat and lean pork chops.
Vitamin B-12
For your body to convert the calories you consume into energy, you need plenty of vitamin B-12. Eating meat on a regular basis helps ensure that you get enough of this vitamin for optimal health, Sizer and Whitney note. Any type of meat, including beef, poultry and pork, will supply you with vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is only available in foods from animals, so eating lean meat is a beneficial way to add this nutrient to your diet.
References
- "The Fiber35 Diet: Nature's Weight Loss Secret"; Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith; 2008
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversy"; Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney; 2007
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