the nutritive value of meat and poultry

Meat and PoultryNutritiveValue of

Group 1 - Monday Cleaners

• The nutritional value of meat is generally

derived from its high protein content. The

fats found in meats can also be a valuable

source of fuel for the body. Meat typically

contains important minerals, including iron,

phosphorous, zinc, and the complete range

of B vitamins, some of which — like vitamin

B12 — can usually only be found in foods

derived from animals.

• Meat usually contains high levels of

complete protein, a nutrient necessary for a

healthy body. The proteins in meat are

normally easy for most people to digest. The

body typically uses this nutrient to perform

cellular repairs and generate new tissue.

Protein is also considered crucial to the

regulation of immune function and

electrolyte balance.

• Fat is also found in meat, and while too

much fat can be bad for health, some is

needed to keep the body working correctly.

The human body generally burns fat for

energy. Protein can also be used for energy,

but most experts agree that fat and

carbohydrates should supply the bulk of the

body's energy needs.

• Iron is necessary for helping oxygen

molecules bind to red blood cells, and meat

is considered an excellent source of this

mineral. The iron found in meats is among

the most easily absorbed and used of any

dietary sources. Vegetable sources of this

mineral may be more difficult for the body

to use.

The poultry meat is not only tasteful, easy to

prepare and appropriate for different food

combinations, but also a natural source of:

• vitamins,

• minerals,

• proteins, and

• healthy fats

• The poultry meat that ends up on our plates must be healthy, fresh, of good quality and appropriately processed. Therefore, it is important that you are careful already when buying the poultry meat. When selecting the foods, be careful of their origin and select products, bearing the marks of quality and protection of health. The producer must guarantee that the food you eat is indeed healthy and faultless. However, when preparing the meat, avoid the excessive heat processing, because it influences the loss of nutritious substances and may even be harmful to health.

• In the proper diet pyramid, designed by the

experts of the World Health Organization,

the poultry meat occupies an important

segment.