Advantages of an Animal-Based Protein Diet

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not humans should eat meat as a source of protein. Vegetarianism has become very popular in recent years and has been practiced by many groups of people throughout history. There are many benefits to eating a vegetarian diet, such as a lower calorie and cholesterol intake. But there are also many benefits of an animal-based protein diet.

Complete Proteins

There are 12 essential amino acids that the body cannot make.

A complete protein means that the protein source contains all the necessary amino acids that we need in the right amounts and ratios. When a human eats an animal protein, it is in a complete form and there is nothing else needed. Plant proteins may have some of the necessary amino acids but not all, and may require complementary food in order to get the right amounts of all amino acids. An example is a eating serving of beans with a serving of whole grain rice, which could supply all of the essential amino acids needed.

High Protein Diets

Some eating plans, like the Atkins Diet, are known for being low-carbohydrate and high-protein. Research on these high protein diets has shown that they lead to weight loss and can decrease the risks for diabetes and heart disease. While protein can come from plant sources, those sources are also considered high in carbohydrates. Eating animal-based proteins provides complete proteins, essential nutrients, adequate calories and twice the amount of protein as plant sources.

Palatability

Animal-based proteins are often the feature of many holiday meals.

A big advantage of animal-based protein diets is that for most people they are palatable. Plant sources of protein and the meat-less food substances marketed to vegetarians for their protein content may not be as palatable for some. A vegetarian would need to consume 1 1/2 cups of tofu to equal the protein in 8 oz. of ground beef, even though that would be three servings of tofu. Vegetarians sometimes need to take supplements in order to meet dietary needs. Since there is more protein in animal sources than in the same size portion of a plant source, it is necessary for vegetarians to eat a larger portion of protein foods which can cause an increased calorie intake.

Iron

Iron, a micronutrient, is needed to transport carbon dioxide and oxygen within the body and without it anemia occurs. Iron is essential for good health and is found in both animal and plant protein sources. The difference between iron from the two sources is that the iron from animal sources is more easily absorbed. Plant sources of iron also contain high amounts of fiber, and fiber is known to reduce the absorption of iron.