In order to maintain a healthy immune system, your body needs protein to grow cells, heal tissue and fight disease. Meat is very high in protein which keeps you feeling full plus offers many different nutrients including iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
Eating too much red meat or anything processed increases your risk of colorectal cancer, so a balanced diet with fresh protein (nothing processed), fish and poultry are ideal.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends limiting red meats to 3 servings each week. According to them, one serving equals 3 ounces (when cooked). They also recommend avoiding processed meats all-together.
If you’re not much of a red meat person, there are many other great sources of protein you can choose from:
- fish and seafood
- chicken and turkey (click here to see our yummy tandoori chicken recipe)
- dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt
- legumes such as beans, peas, lentils and soybeans
- nuts and seeds
- nut and seed butter
- eggs
The Cancer Society recommends eating more poultry and fish, and then fill your plate with fresh vegetables and healthy grains.
Did you know that cooking protein at high temperatures (frying, broiling, or barbecuing) may increase your risk of cancer?
Cancer-causing substances are formed when meat is cooked at very high heat. Here are a few tips for healthier cooking:
- Cook at lower temperatures, often medium will do
- Marinate before cooking – studies have actually shown that marinating can prevent the formation of cancer-causing chemicals. Use an oil-free marinade that contains a strong acid like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- If you do want to BBQ, choose lean cuts because the fat can develop harmful chemicals – also, try not to char any of your food!
If you’re looking for recipes, we have a few in our BLOG
Protein and weight loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, meat is very good for you but it should be consumed in moderation and, again, you should always choose the leanest meat, poultry without skin and fish. Eating lean meat and fish on a regular basis makes you feel fuller for longer, stimulates the metabolism while reducing cravings for sweets and carbs – the real culprits to obesity.
Here are a few more reasons why meat, chicken and fish are good for you:
- A diet high in protein helps build muscles. If your athletic, a daily serving of meat can help improve performance and reduce injury.
- A rich mix of amino acids helps your body maintain a stronger immune system. Eating a few different types of meat several times a week provides your immune system with the zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids it needs.
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich with poultry, fish and lean meat, along with a variety of fruit and vegetables helps increase your energy plus give you all the nutrients your body needs for optimal performance.
Did you also know that a diet healthy with protein can help prevent mood swings? The amino acids found in many types of meat helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that are vital to healthier brain function, including delaying the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
We did our research for this article and there’s certainly a lot of different information out there. However, study after study proves that people who regularly eat a diet rich with protein perform better physically and emotionally.
The Spice Meat Shop hunts for the best cuts of meat we can find. We marinate it to provide you with incredible flavours and you can be sure that when you buy your meat from us, it’s giving you all the nutrients you need!
After all, we are carnivores!
Quick Tip: When you’re shopping for your meat, look for “round”, “loin”, or “sirloin” on the packaging – those terms usually refer to a leaner cut of meat.