Healthy Meats – Picking Healthy Proteins
A balanced diet includes a healthy serving of proteins, which are generally found in meat.
Proteins provide our body with the building blocks that maintain the structure of our body’s cells that are necessary for our tissues and organs to function.
Proteins create antibodies that fight off disease and infections, and they create enzymes responsible for chemical reactions in the cells.
There are proteins that act as messengers (such as hormones) to help with certain biological functions. And proteins are important for cell structure and transporting and storing atoms and molecules needed for growth and development.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of protein recommended for adults aged 18 and older is between 40 and 60 grams per day.
What types of proteins help our body with important functions and are also healthy for us to consume? Here we will take a look at the protein found in certain types of fish, turkey, pork (including ham), beef, and chicken.
Beef
Beef isn’t often thought of as a healthy source of protein. Considering hamburgers, steaks, and other preparations that add pounds, there is a misconception that beef is an unhealthy food.
However, a lean, marinated, thinly sliced, and grilled slice of beef can actually be a healthy form of your necessary daily protein. A 110-gram serving of thinly sliced beef that is lean cut can provide up to 36 grams of protein.
Chicken
Another complete form of protein is poultry, such as chicken and turkey. You can make poultry a healthy meat for your diet by taking off the skin and grilling the meat.
It can also be broiled or even boiled. Marinating the chicken can add flavor and reduce the need for salt. When preparing chicken as a source of protein for your diet, you should resist the urge to fry the meat.
Fish
Fish can be used as a source of protein for adults and as a healthy alternative to beef and poultry. Salmon, as an example, is not only an excellent source of protein, it also provides an additional benefit.
The fat content in a piece of salmon can also provide you with a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.
Pork
Pork is a white meat option that can be used as a healthy choice for meeting your daily protein requirements. A 100-gram serving of pork gives you 123 calories and 4 grams of fat.
Pork can be prepared in a variety of healthy ways, including broiling and grilling. Again, like chicken, you should not fry pork if you want to yield the greatest health benefits from this meat protein source.
You should also stay away from bacon and other cured pork products that have a high sodium content.
Turkey
Turkey is the other white meat alternative to beef for those looking for a healthy protein choice. Turkey, when served in 110-gram portions, can provide you with 119 calories and 1 gram of fat.
Despite popular myths, turkey will not make you sleepy if you eat it in sensible portions as a way to achieve your protein requirements and nutritional goals.
