(NAPSA)—If you’re like a lot of people, you may be uncertain about how to eat right and get and stay fit, so a few facts from the expert research may be good news. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, they say, isn’t about short-term dietary changes. It’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity. In addition, many nutrition experts agree that meat and poul- try should be part of a balanced diet and can help satisfy hunger and control weight while deliver- ing key nutrients people need. Twelve Reasons To Eat Meat And Poultry 1. Protein. Naturally and com- pletely. Protein found in meat and poultry is “complete” becauseit con- tains all the amino acids essential for health. Animal proteins are com- plete proteins, points out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2. Iron rich. Meat, fish and poultry contain heme iron, which helps prevent anemia because the body absorbs this iron better than the nonhemeiron found in plant foods such as vegetables. Heme iron foods, reports the National Institutes of Health, also help the body absorb nonhemeiron found in plant foods. 3. Bioavailable nutrition. Nutrients in meat, including iron andzinc, are typically more easily absorbed and used by thebody. 4. Muscle strength and maintenance. High-quality protein, in meat and poultry, has been shown to prevent muscle loss more effectively than other pro- @ Meat and poultry may make for tasty meals but there are a lot more reasons they should be part of your balanceddiet. Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board, helps the nervous system function properly. 7. Heart health. Australian research published in The Ameri- can Society for Clinical Nutrition shows that lean meat protein could help maintain healthy cardiovascular function. 8. Blood sugar control. An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, which could include lean meat and poultry, can help to control blood sugars. 9. Zinc immunity. Researchers also found that zinc helps maintain optimal immune function and promotes wound healing. Beef is the top dietary source of zinc. 10. Selenium rich. A serving of beef or lamb delivers about half your daily selenium needs. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage, promotes proper thyroid function and may contribute to cancer prevention, reports the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 11. Weight management. tein foods as people age. 5. Bone strength. No bones about it. According to a University of Massachusetts study, meatless Studies in the New England Journal of Medicine and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition say calcium, vitamin D, vitamin Biz, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, shown to promote long-term weight loss better than otherdiets. diets contain lower amounts of all of which play important roles in maintaining bonehealth. 6. Brain function. Animal high-protein diets that include lean meat and poultry have been 12. Tastes good. Noscientific papers proving this are avail- products such as meat are the only natural sources of vitamin able. You’ll have to do the research yourself. Learn More development in children, accord- visit the North American Meat Bu. This nutrient promotes brain ing to a Food and Nutrition Bul- letin, and, adds the Institute of For morefacts, tips and recipes, Institute at www.meatpoultry nutrition.org.
