10 Reasons Why Meat is Good For You

 10 Reasons Why Meat is Good For You

Did you know that consuming meat can be great for your health? Many people think meat can’t be good for you and believe it’s harmful to their body but these beliefs are not true at all. In fact, many nutrients found in meat can benefit your health greatly. This article will provide you with information on why meat is good for you and how it can benefit your health specifically. Check out these ten reasons why meat is good for you!

 10 Reasons Why Meat is Good For You1) Protein

• 2) B Vitamins
• 3) Zinc
• 4) Iron
• 5) Vitamin D
• 6) Selenium
• 7) Vitamin A
• 8) Arachidonic Acid
• 9) Taurine
• 10) Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).

10 Reasons Why Meat is Good For You1) Protein

1) Protein

Protein from meat provides building blocks for muscles, skin, and blood. Without enough protein in your diet, your body can’t function properly. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, it’s important to supplement your meals with an amino acid source that matches what you'd get in animal proteins—which can be found in soy and hemp powders. Make sure to choose high-quality sources of animal protein such as grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish, or dairy products from pasture-raised cows.

2) B Vitamins

Animal products like meat and fish are rich in Vitamin B12, a nutrient that plays an important role in red blood cell production. According to a study published in Neurology, older adults with low levels of B12 were twice as likely to develop cognitive impairment than those with higher levels. If you are older than 60 years old, try adding more meat and seafood to your diet. The rest of us can get our fill by eating three servings of dairy foods or two servings of fortified breakfast cereal every day. Beans and eggs also provide enough Vitamin B12 for daily needs.

3) Zinc

Zinc helps maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails. It also works with B vitamins to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy for your body to use. When you don’t have enough zinc in your diet, it can negatively affect how your body digests food and absorb nutrients from it. Furthermore, zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, weakened immune systems and impaired growth in children. Zinc supplements are available at many health food stores or online.

4) Iron

Meat and poultry are excellent sources of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency anemia is most common in women who are menstruating or pregnant. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and irritability. Most people can benefit from eating more iron—especially vegetarians and vegans—but check with your doctor before taking supplements. (A cup of lentils contains more than twice as much iron as a 3-ounce serving of beef sirloin.) Read More: 10 Nutrients Vegetarians Need To Supplement Their Diet With.

5) Vitamin D

One of meat’s most underrated benefits may be its abundant supply of vitamin D. Though it’s often grouped in with other nutrients, vitamin D does a body good on its own: It’s essential for bone health and immune function and helps regulate heart rhythms, blood pressure, insulin secretion and more. Vitamin D also protects against certain types of cancer and improves cognition in older adults. Find a variety of high-vitamin-D foods here. (A 3-ounce serving of salmon contains more than 100 percent of your daily needs.)

6) Selenium

The mineral selenium is an antioxidant powerhouse. It can increase your metabolism and decrease your risk of heart disease and cancer. The recommended dietary allowance for men is 55 micrograms, but men who eat meat may be getting twice that much—which can have a positive effect on prostate health, says Dr. Alan Kristal, associate director of population sciences at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In addition to preventing other diseases, selenium has been shown to reduce mortality in people with HIV/AIDS by as much as 50 percent.

7) Vitamin A

Vitamin A is responsible for promoting proper vision and eye health. According to WebMD, retinol and beta-carotene are converted in your body into retinal and then into vitamin A. Both of these forms of Vitamin A can be found in red meat, making it a valuable part of any diet. Many other types of meat also provide Vitamin A like chicken, turkey, and fish. The proper amount of Vitamin A can help you maintain healthy eyesight.

8) Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic acid, or AA, is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in cell signaling and helps regulate your body's inflammatory response. Plant sources of omegas 6s (like grains) are essential to life, but they lack arachidonic acid. So while a vegan diet can be healthy, people who eat meat won't be getting enough AA unless they're supplementing with it or eating certain types of meat. If you want to get some AA into your system without worrying about eating animals, check out Udo's Choice Oil Blend by Carlson Labs; one tablespoon contains 10 milligrams of arachidonic acid from fish oil.

9) Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as an antioxidant and helps with cardiovascular health. It’s also known to help people suffering from diabetes, especially by lowering blood sugar levels. Finally, taurine has been proven effective in treating congestive heart failure. It’s mainly found in fish and meat products like chicken breast and lamb chops.

10) Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).

In a recent study published in Nutrition Journal, researchers compared 2 groups of overweight adults that consumed either 2.5 grams of CLA per day or a placebo for 8 weeks. 

Not only did those who took CLA to see greater fat loss and reduced body mass index (BMI), but they also saw improvements in glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and markers of inflammation compared to those who received no supplement. In addition to boosting energy levels and aiding fat loss, 

CLA has also been shown to increase muscle mass while reducing body fat during training when consumed prior to exercise. While there’s not enough evidence to make CLA a must-have supplement, it certainly doesn’t hurt your physique or health if you opt for adding some chicken breast or grass-fed beef into your diet.

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