Meat is good for you or bad for you depending on which expert you talk to. We ve been eating meat since the beginning of time and we all have our preferences. Then of course there are those who do not eat any meat at all. The reasons range from taste to health beliefs to animal rights. If you do eat meat however you need to understand the 5 healthiest types of meat.

Why We Need Meat

We can survive without meat and many people do. This is largely since there are other foods that have the same nutrients and protein that meat contains except the sources are not like good. This means that if you do not eat meat you must eat greater amounts of these other protein sources.

Even if you are eating greater amounts of other protein sources it is important to realize that at last nothing can truly replace the nutritional value of meat. It is also important to realize that how the animal is raised in terms of how it is fed has an impact on your health.

A Breakdown of the 5 Healthiest Types of Meat

Chicken Chicken is lean and full of protein. If eaten without the skin this is one of the healthiest meats that you can probably eat. Free Range or Organic Chicken is best.

Fish Fish could be in the number one spot because it is so healthy. It is full of Omega-3 Fatty Acids that are essential to good physical and mental health. It makes number two on the list however because of the protein value of chicken and you must consider the potential for mercury found in fish as well.

Pork Pork has been touted as the other white meat. While it isn t almost as healthy as fish and chicken it is typically healthier than red meat.

Certain Cuts of Red Meat Red meat has gotten a bad rap in recent years but the truth is that red meat can be just as good for you or just as bad for you as other types of meat depending on the cut of the meat. You should seem for the leanest cuts possible.

Non-Traditional Meat Sources Americans frequently do not see certain types of meat as acceptable. This includes horse meat dog meat and cat meat. Some cultures however do eat these types of meat and they can be healthier than the red meat that we consume in the United States.

Meat Alternatives

There are alternatives to meat. You can eat beans tofu or nuts or a number of other foods in an effort to get the same nutrients minerals and proteins that are contained in meat but you will most likely have to make a concentrated effort to get the vitamins and nutrients that your body requires.

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