Did you know there once was a time when 70% of poultry had been fed arsenic-based drugs in this country? If you didn’t know, arsenic is one of many poisonous elements that can cause harm to the human body. Thus, it is important to note the diet you follow. Many people, even today, fail to take a look at the nutrition facts labels on the products they buy. Although nutrition laws have changed towards a healthier direction, it is ultimately up to you to choose the types of meat that enter your body for a healthier future.
Meat is a staple for most people today. As with everything, certain types of meat are healthier for your body than others. There are several different types of meat: poultry, red meat, and seafood. The choices in all three options require a balance in order to obtain the healthiest diet possible.
Poultry is usually leaner than red meat. The leanest poultry includes white breast meat without skin. Boneless, skinless turkey and chicken breasts only have 97 and 115 calories, respectively. Both contain under three grams of fat and are the best low-fat options in this category, according to the USDA Nutrient Database. Alternatively, if it includes skin and dark meat, it can have calories up to 170 and 11 grams of fat.
Image Source: Lauri Patterson
Red meat usually is associated with unhealthy proteins. It includes meats such as beef or lamb. However, meats such as buffalo or bison have fewer calories than their counterparts in this category. When choosing others meats, it is important to look for cuts labeled “lean”, which contain less fat. For a specific type of meat, such as steak, tenderloin, sirloin, or filet mignon are possible choices.
Seafood is also one of the most popular choices of meat. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has a list of seafood that is healthy. Some examples are albacore tuna, wild Alaskan salmon, oysters, and wild-caught Pacific sardines. The mollusk phylum, to which oysters belong, contain some of the most nutritious seafood.
There are many options available for healthy eating, especially where meat is concerned. If not seafood, red meats and poultry still have many varied choices. It is important to note the types of meat you consume for the sake of your health. Unknowingly, you may be consuming fats that adversely affect you later in life. So the next time you go to a grocery store, take a look at the nutrition facts label. It might do you more good in the long run.
Feature Image Source: Meat Market by Antonio Joyce
