What is the first thing that comes to your mind when somebody says “healthy food”? Let me guess: it’s not meat.

Meat consumption has been blamed for a slew of health problems.  But high-quality meat is really a superfood!  

Here is why:

Meat is a great source of protein

Meat is an excellent source of complete, easily digestible protein.  There are many plants that contain protein as well, but only a few have the complete protein that your body needs.  So if you are on a vegan diet, you need to make sure you understand your protein sources and plan your meals carefully.  If you just want to eat well without too much fuss, add meat to your diet.  Stick to healthy meats that were raised naturally.  Or, grab one of our bars.

What’s the big deal with protein?

Simply put, we would fall apart without protein. Proteins are often referred to as “building blocks” of all lifeforms and we humans are no exception. Our body tissues are made of protein.

Protein is also a source of energy, along with fats and carbohydrates. Unlike carbohydrates, protein helps you feel full longer and it doesn’t cause energy spikes and crashes. If you feel hungry often, consider a protein-rich snack. If you are trying to lose weight, a diet high in protein and low in carbs will help you lose body fat and keep the muscle.

What’s a complete protein?

Protein is a type of chemical compound with large, chain-like molecules consisting of smaller units known as amino acids. We need them to digest food, repair body tissue, grow and much more.  Our bodies are capable of creating some of the amino acids, while others, called the essential amino acids, need to come from food.   

The complete protein contains all nine essential acids. Essential acids are, surprisingly, essential for our well-being. Our bodies cannot make them and also they are unable to store them.  If your diet doesn’t provide enough essential amino acids, your body will extrude them from your muscle. People who lack essential amino acids in their diet can also experience weakness, fatigue and increased anxiety levels, among other symptoms. This means essential amino acids should be a part of our daily food intake in a form of protein, preferably complete protein.  

Meat Gives your immunity a boost

With cold season creeping upon us, we would love to boost our immunity, right?  Let’s eat some meat, then! As we mentioned earlier, a healthy amount of complete protein you get from meat helps your body to perform its best, but that’s not all. Meat is an excellent source of zinc. Zinc is crucial for a proper function of your immune system. Zinc deficiency is on the main causes of weakened immunity. Many doctors recommend taking a zinc supplement to help you battle common cold.  Here is an idea: how about a diet rich in zinc? Try grass-fed beef or lamb; they are both rich in zinc and quite tasty!

Meat Contains Iron

Iron is a mineral essential to our survival. It’s a major component of hemoglobin, a protein in our blood cells that is responsible for oxygen distribution.   Iron deficiency results in anemia, or low red blood cell count.  Anemia causes fatigue, pale skin and you can also experience shortness of breath.  While there are plants that contain iron, your body doesn’t absorb it as well as the iron from meat.  The best sources of iron include liver, sardines, oysters, clams, and beef (100%grass-fed is the best).

Yes, Meat Is Full of Vitamins!

Meat is well known for high levels of B vitamin complex (B1, B2, niacin, B6, and B12), as well as vitamin D.  Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal-based foods.

Vitamin D helps calcium absorption, among other things, so it is important to your bone health.

It's Easy To Eat

Let's face it, there are numerous foods that you know you should eat but you don't exactly enjoy them.  Meat is tasty and a little bit goes a long way.  A 3oz steak will give you 22g of complete protein, whereas a cup of cooked beans will get you about 15g.  Unlike beans, meat, when consumed in moderation, won't give you any unpleasant digestive issues.

Hungry for meat? How about a tasty meat snack?