Do you love meat, but aren’t sure what health benefits it provides, if any?
Many adults are under the impression that meat does not provide any health benefits and miss out on what it has to offer.
Did you know that one 3.5-ounce serving of ground beef contains 37% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12, which is linked to improvements in cognitive function? That’s only the tip of the iceberg.
We’ve combined a list of the top 7 benefits of meat. This includes everything from its great protein content to the various minerals it contains. Continue reading below to see how you can improve your health with a meat-inclusive diet.
Table of Contents
1. Good Source of Protein
Lean meat is full of protein. This means that eating meat is great for building up a healthy immune system because it helps create hormones, enzymes, and some antibodies. Plus, protein repairs cells and creates blood clots when needed.
The amount of protein makes eating meat popular among those following the keto diet as it aids in weight loss. Since protein helps you feel full, it allows you to feel satisfied longer than other food sources.
Some of the best meats for protein are white-meat poultry, fish, and lean meats like lean sirloin beef.
2. Rich in Healthy Minerals
One of the benefits of eating meat is that it’s filled with beneficial minerals. Some examples of these healthy minerals are iron, selenium, and zinc.
Iron
Iron is important for the development of your body. It is responsible for contributing to the creation of red blood cells in the body.
These red blood cells provide oxygen to various parts of the body. It also helps to create certain hormones.
Selenium
Meat, such as a serving of beef, provides over half of the body’s daily recommended dose of selenium. Selenium is important in promoting overall health in that it helps with fighting infection, reproduction, and DNA production.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential piece found in the body’s cells. If you prepare meat regularly, chances are you receive your daily recommended amount of zinc regularly.
This means that you are likely very healthy because zinc aids the immune system in fighting off illnesses from bacteria and viruses. Plus, it creates the body’s proteins and DNA.
3. Helps Build Muscle
If you are looking to build muscle, increasing your consumption of lean meats may help. In comparison to those following vegetarian diets, researchers found that eating meat is associated with a higher muscle mass index.
This is due to its protein-heavy characteristics. Proteins help build muscle in the body due to the amino acids that make up proteins. These maintain the muscle tissue and help to repair any tearing caused by workouts.
4. Increases Bone Strength
Due to the content of calcium and phosphorus you receive when eating meat, it’s important for promoting bone strength. Phosphorous is the mineral responsible for the development of bones and teeth in the human body.
It is also essential in the growth and repair of cells and tissues in the body, including bones.
Calcium spreads through your blood. It works in conjunction with collagen to allow for both strong and flexible bone.
Those on vegetarian or vegan diets have lower levels of calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these are important in creating strong bones.
5. Improves Brain Function
One of the benefits of meat consumption is great for improving brain function due to the high levels of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids it contains.
Vitamin B12 helps keep you focused by minimizing fatigue. It’s especially beneficial in older adults suffering from brain fog, nerve damage, and overall brain volume.
Studies show a link between low levels of B12 and memory loss.
Omega-3’s are one of the only nutrients found in the brain. They play an important role in boosting blood flow as well as memory and overall cognitive function. It’s also known to slow the onset of dementia as the brain ages.
Grass-fed beef is thought to add antioxidants to further protect our brain’s ability to function properly. If you are out shopping for red meat, try opting for grass-fed.
6. Promotes Heart Health
Historically, there was thought to be a link between heart disease and meat consumption. So, for a long time, health professionals recommended you avoid red meat as much as possible.
However, a study found in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that red meat is unlikely to cause adverse health outcomes. Their ultimate recommendation was that adults continue their current consumption rate of red meat as opposed to decreasing it.
In general, adults who eat an average of 13 ounces of lean meat per week can decrease their risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
7. It Tastes Great
One of the biggest benefits of eating meat is the taste. Whether you decide to eat chicken, beef, or other sources of meat, there are many different ways to enjoy the many benefits meat has to offer.
Not to mention, there are countless ways to prepare meat with the right tools. Our favorite way is on the grill, especially during summertime, which is fast approaching.
If you’re in the market for a new grill this summer, read this review from Own the Grill.
Start Enjoying the Benefits of Meat
Now that we’ve covered the various health benefits of meat, as well as the great taste, you should feel confident in enjoying the benefits it has to offer.
Have fun with the preparation as there are ample opportunities to cook great, healthy meals this summer with the right grill. When you’re out shopping for your cut of meat, make sure to opt for lean, grass-fed options when possible.
For more articles pertaining to healthy living, head to our Health Blog.
