Healthy Eating Tips – Meats

Chicken

Chicken is a very good source of protein and some beneficial fatty acids, though it is less than

that of fish. In fact 2/3 of our daily value for protein comes from around 4 oz of chicken.

Chicken is also a good source of the trace element selenium, an essential component of several major metabolic pathways, including thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function. 120 g of chicken supply about 40% of the daily value of selenium.

Chicken is a very good source of the cancer-protective B vitamin, niacin. Niacin helps optimize blood sugar regulation via its actions as a component of a molecule called glucose tolerance factor, which optimizes insulin activity. A four-ounce serving of chicken provides 72.0% of the daily value for niacin.

Vitamin B6 is is essential for the body’s processing of carbohydrates and it is needed by the nervous and immune system to function properly.

Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin as well as helps maintain your blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range. When caloric intake is low your body needs vitamin B6 to help convert stored carbohydrate or other nutrients to glucose to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include dermatitis (skin inflammation), glossitis (a sore tongue), depression, confusion, and convulsions. Vitamin B6 deficiency also can cause anemia

Red Meat

Lean red meats which includes pork, beef and lamb, when eaten with starchy carbohydrates and fruit and vegetables, form part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Red meats, including bison or buffalo are an excellent source of protein and energy and are the largest contributors of iron and zinc and the second largest contributor of omega-3. Bison meat though contains more iron and protein than beef. In fact we get about 30% of our dietary intake of zinc from meat.

Meat also is an important source of B vitamins and vitamin D as well as minerals such as potassium and selenium. Selenium is an important antioxidant, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

The B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and B12 a vitamin not found naturally in foods of plant origin is important for healthy red blood cells, growth and the production of energy.

Compared to fish tough, red meat which is naturally low in salt, only contains a small amount of Omega-3 oils which helps to keep the heart healthy.

All the essential nutrients of red meats are found in the lean meat and not in the fat. A 100g portion of pork provides you with 15% of your daily requirement of iron, 30% of your daily requirements of zinc and 70% of your daily requirements of vitamin B12.

Red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, is an important part of a balanced diet and contains many of the nutrients essential for good health and well-being.