Protein is a nutrient that is essential for life. Animal-derived protein such as meat, fish, milk and eggs provides the body with essential amino acids that are required for life, but are not produced by the body and must be eaten. Plant-derived protein such as nuts and beans are considered "incomplete proteins" because they are lacking in one or more of these essential amino acids. Vegans must combine foods carefully to ensure they are consuming all the essential amino acids in the proper proportions--for instance, rice and beans eaten together contain all essential amino acids. Eating quality meat is healthy and fulfills the body's protein requirements.
Amino Acid L-Arginine
Meat contains the amino acid L-arginine, which "keeps a lid on your appetite and reduces body fat," according to Jillian Michaels, "Biggest Loser" strength trainer and author of "Master Your Metabolism." In addition, Leucine, another essential amino acid found in meat, helps produce growth hormone and regulate blood sugar.
Omega-3's
The meat in wild salmon and organic, free-range beef provide a beneficial dose omega-3 fatty acids not found in any plant-based sources. Always stick with grass-fed beef because 7 percent of its total fat content comes from omega 3's, while grain-fed is only 1 percent.
Health Food
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a best-selling author, calls grass-fed beef, "a health food of the highest order" on his natural health website. According to Mercola, grass-fed beef is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a source of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a fat that reduces the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes and a number of immune disorders.
Avoid Pork
Ironically, Mercola strongly recommends avoiding pork because pigs are scavengers and will eat absolutely anything, turning them into breeding grounds for viruses, parasites and infections. Even high temperature cooking will not kill all the potential health hazards in pork. An occasional piece of pork is probably not harmful, but generally, it should be avoided, and as for bacon--he says don't even think about it.
Look for Healthier Alternatives
Avoid all packaged sausages and lunch meats, which are loaded with excess salt and sugar, preservatives and nitrates, and beware deli meats, as they sometimes contain additives. Many markets are responding to customer demand for healthier alternatives and are providing hormone- and antibiotic-free range-fed sausages, lunch and deli meats.
Stick with 3 Oz.
The best way to reap all the health benefits meat has to offer is to keep your portion size to 3 ounces, and limit yourself to two portions per day. That's just 6 ounces per day, or the size of two decks of cards or cassette tapes, which is much smaller than the typical super-size restaurant servings.
References
- "The Schwarzbein Principle"; Diana Schwarbein; 1999
- "Master Your Metabolism"; Jillian Michaels; 2009
- Dr. Joseph Mercola
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