Meat is a very good source of protein, vitamins, and some minerals that are very essential for our health. However, not all types of meat are the same, and the method of preparation also plays a significant role in obtaining its benefits.
Benefits of Meat.
1. Protein:
Meat is an excellent source of protein, which is important for building and repairing body tissues, as well as strengthening the immune system.
Why is meat protein so important?
Tissue Construction and Repair: Protein is like the body’s engineer, it helps build new tissue such as muscle when we grow or exercise. It also helps to repair damaged tissue, such as after an injury or when we are sick.
Operation of Enzymes: Enzymes are like little workers in the body that help in many chemical processes. Proteins are what make up these enzymes, so they are important for digestion, growth, and many other bodily functions.
Immune system strengthening:
Our immune system is highly dependent on protein. Protein helps make immune cells that protect our bodies from infection.
Hormone Control: Hormones are like body messengers that help regulate everything from growth to our emotions. Many proteins are used to make these hormones.
When you eat meat, the protein contained in it starts to be broken down within the small intestine by special enzymes that breaks proteins into smaller pieces called amino acids. These amino acids help the body build and repair new tissue.
After being broken, amino acids enter the blood and are transported to different parts of the body where they are needed. In each cell, these acids are used to build new proteins according to the needs of that cell.
2. Vitamins and Minerals.
Meat contains vitamin B12 which is crucial for the production of red blood cells, as well as minerals such as iron, selenium and zinc which are important for various body activities.
3. Iron:
Red meat is especially rich in iron, which is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Helps in the formation of hemoglobin:
It is an important ingredient in the formation of a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all cells of the body.
Energy production:
Oxygen released by hemoglobin is used by cells to produce energy needed by the body to perform its daily tasks.
Growth and development: Iron is important for the growth of new cells, especially in childhood and adolescence.
Immune System: Iron also helps strengthen the immune system by increasing the body’s ability to fight infection.
4. Zinc:
Zinc is important for wound healing, immune function, and taste.
Collagen Formation: It is an important protein that helps in building new tissue. Zinc helps in the process of making collagen, thus speeding up the healing of wounds.
Strengthening the Immune System:
Zinc is important for the immune system. A strong immune system helps fight infections that can delay wound healing.
Reduces swelling: This mineral helps to reduce swelling that occurs after an injury. Swelling can delay wound healing.
Protecting Cells: Zinc helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can delay wound healing.
5.Selenium:
This mineral helps protect cells from damage by its antioxidant property which works as guards that protect our cells from damage caused by unstable molecules that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in our cells.
The mineral selenium is an important component of several enzymes that protect the body from oxidative damage. These enzymes help in various metabolic processes, including removing toxic substances from the body.
Research has shown that selenium can help prevent several chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease because it helps in strengthening the entire immune system and reduce inflammation.
How to get the benefits of meat.
Choose the Right Kind: Red meats like beef and lamb have more nutrients than white meats like chicken and fish.
However, it is important to choose meat that does not have a lot of fat.
Preparation: The way meat is prepared has a big impact on its nutrients, So baking, boiling, or lightly frying is a better method than deep-frying.
Mixed Eating: Do not use meat alone, but eat other foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains to get other important nutrients.
The final word to note:
It is very crucial not to eat meat too much and consider the type of meat you eat beacause high consumption of red meat can cause diseases such as colon cancer, and for people with heart problems should be careful with the amount of red meat they eat.
