Animal Sources of Protein Advantages
- Animal proteins contain twice the amount of protein per calorie.beef meat image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
Protein is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet, carrying many health benefits. Protein is needed for the maintenance and repair of muscles and connective tissue.
The animal proteins versus plant proteins debate has long been argued by nutritionists and health professionals. Animal-derived proteins include all meats, dairy products and eggs, which do possess some clear advantages over their plant-derived counterparts. - One simple advantage animal-derived proteins have over plant-based proteins is their protein density. The Wisconsin Beef Council claim animal proteins provide two to three times the amount of protein per calorie compared to plant sources.
- Animal-derived proteins are known as "complete proteins" or "high quality proteins," meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids our body needs. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins, but plant-based sources lack one or more of the essential amino acids and are therefore "incomplete proteins."
- Foods containing fats are our main source of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A and D are almost exclusively sourced from animal-derived foods and also provide the most abundant source of B vitamins. Dairy products contain large amounts of phosphorus and calcium, essential for healthy bones, teeth and nails. Red meats are rich in iron and zinc, important for effective immune system functions. The National Institute of Health recognize that minerals such as iron and zinc found in animal-derived foods are processed more efficiently than when ingested from plant sources.
- Other animal proteins offer additional nutritional benefits. The omega-3 essential fatty acid is found primarily in oily fish such as trout, salmon, tuna and mackerel. Omega-3 promotes healthy brain function and is a prime example of a "good fat," helping your body process "bad fats" and improve cardiovascular health.
