How many times in a week shoud we eat meat?

Margarida Pinheiro, Portugal

In general humans, as omnivorous animals, do not “need” to eat meat to live. But Meat is a nutritious food, which in moderate amounts can make a valuable contribution to your diet. One to two portions of meat a week are enough to get the protein requirements. Prefer lean meat because meat is also a major source of saturated fat, which we should be cutting down on.

Meat is a good source of :

• High biological value proteins, which are needed for growth and repair. Proteins are of high biological value, which means they contain all the essential amino acids in approximately the right proportions for an adult body's requirements. Other products containing high biological value proteins are meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.

• Iron: Meat, especially red meat, is also a good source of easily absorbed iron. Iron is required for the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. A lack of iron leads to low iron stores in the body and eventually to iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is found in plant and animal sources. Iron from animal sources (haem iron) is better absorbed than iron from plant sources (non-haem iron)

• B Vitamins: especially vitamin B12 (required for blood cells and nerve function)

• Vitamin D: required for healthy bones

• Zinc: required for tissue growth and repair

• Magnesium: This helps the body use energy and is needed for healthy tissues and bones.