For many people, no meal is complete without some form of meat. But not every meat is good for you. While meat is a good source of protein, eating some kinds of meat could cause heart problems and even colon cancer and some other diseases. That is why you have to be sure of the type of meat you are eating. But what are the healthiest meats you can eat?
One major problem is that the meat we eat today, isn’t like it used to be before. Many of the meat we eat today are often gotten from animals that ate grains and were pumped with hormones and antibiotics to make them grow faster.
Back then, meat was gotten from animals that were allowed to roam and graze on various plants, and they were not injected with growth hormones. This is what meat is supposed to be like, not what we have today. Meat that is gotten from animals that eat plants has a much better nutrient profile.
Today, we would be looking at some of the healthiest meats you can eat.
1. Chicken Meat
Chicken meat has a reputation of its own. No matter how often you eat it, it would always be regarded as something special. Besides its delicious taste, chicken meat, which is a type of white meat, is also considered quite healthy. Chicken meat is low in saturated fat and also low in calories, which means you would not put on a lot of weight by eating chicken meat. In fact, of all the healthiest meats to eat I mention, chicken meat has the lowest calories, followed by goat meat. It also contains nutrients like iron, niacin, selenium, zinc, and more, in addition to protein, which all benefit the body in different ways. Just be sure to let the meat cook well to make it safe for eating.
2. Beef
The status of beef is sometimes debatable because it is considered red meat, which contains a lot of saturated fat, but that is not the case. Beef contains a lot of nutrients and fewer calories. It does not also raise your cholesterol levels. To get the best beef, go for the lean type or the ones without any layer of fat. Lean red meat doesn’t increase your cholesterol and contains nutrients like protein, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and niacin.
2. Pork
Pork always makes for a great delicacy, but it is also very healthy. It contains fewer calories, just like chicken, and has less fats as well. It contains more unsaturated fat, which is what your body needs, and has a lot of Omega 3 fatty acids. It contains potassium, magnesium, and more. Pork is also rich in oleic acid, which is a type of monosaturated fat. When cooking pork, make sure you use less oil so it does not end up too oily.
3. Turkey
Just like Chicken, turkey, also regarded as white meat, has a place in lots of festivities. It is juicy and very fleshy. Turkey contains fewer calories and less fat than you would find in other kinds of meat. It is also very rich in protein and other nutrients as well, including vitamin B. You can never go wrong with turkey on your plate.
4. Goat Meat
One thing you would notice about goat meat is how much flavour it adds to your food, but that is not the only thing you benefit from it. Goat meat is among the animals with the least saturated fat content. It is also low in other fats as well and has lesser calories than other kinds of meat. It is also rich in a lot of nutrients. Goat meat or asun is popular in Nigeria.
Things To Keep In Mind
Stay clear of meat that has a high saturated fat content. This includes red meat. Also, when cutting your meat, make sure to remove the layers of fat surrounding it. Always properly wash your meat and allow it to cook very well before eating. Even though meat is required, you must not load your plate with meat every time. Switch to plant-based protein sources on some days. You can find out some easy ways to add more vegetables to your diet.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
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- 8 Healthy Ways to Reduce Your Salt Intake
- 15 Nigerian Foods That Are Rich In Zinc
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
