Among our healthy tips at work today, I received this bit of very interesting information about the importance of meat in our diet.
I am a Christian meat-eater and I have friends who are atheists (heaven help them too :D) and I have friends who are vegetarians. This article should be interesting to all the above groups!
1. (For the atheists) Studies indicate that, if our ancestors had not eaten red meats, the brain of humans would be 1/4 of its present size! During human evolution, our adaptation to red meat and the vital protein and fats it provides, is one of the KEY reasons behind the rapid growth in our intelligence and brain capacity.. without meat we still would be living in the trees eating bananas!
2. (For the vegetarian) In regions where people have the longest lifespan, the diet is based almost exclusively on meat of ruminant animals and cultured dairy products.
3. Protein in beef and lamb provides plenty of building blocks for our body, ensuring strong lean muscles and healthy hormones.
4. Red meat is an excellent source of vital minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium. In meat, these minerals exist in form that is much easier for the body to absorb compared to the minerals in grains and pulses.
5. Vitamin B12, which can be obtained ONLY from animal sources and which is abundant in beef, is crucial for a healthy nervous system and blood.
6. The carnitine in red meat is essential for balanced and steady functioning of the heart.
7. Beef and lamb fat is rich in linoleic and palmiotelic acids, which have strong anticancer effects and fight viruses and other pathogens.
Note: This does not mean we need to eat meat daily or excessively, but it does mean that meat does a body good when... like everything else... it's eaten in proper portions and with proper frequency.
Based on my research, we should limit our red meat intake to twice a week.
TOP 20 BEEF RECIPES ALL UNDER 300 CALORIES
Here is a great web site for these recipes:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Healthy-Cooking/Low-Calorie/300-Calories-or-Less-per-Serving/Beef/Top.aspx
