The protein in meat can also be obtained from milk and legumes, but B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as zinc and iron cannot be replaced by vegetables and fruits. Therefore, we don't need to eliminate meat, but rather avoid excessive amounts of it. The "Dietary Balance Pagoda" clearly states that a person should consume 75 grams of lean meat per day, which is about the size of a deck of cards. As for vegetables, it is best to consume around 500 grams daily.
I. Lamb, the most nourishing meat
Lamb helps to restore vital energy, replenish essence and blood, and treat lung deficiency. It is quite beneficial for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, lung diseases, and conditions of deficiency and cold. It also nourishes the kidneys, strengthens yang, replenishes deficiency, combats cold, and strengthens the body, making it a precious nourishing food for winter. However, it should be noted that lamb is inherently warm and not suitable for everyone. Those with yin deficiency and excessive fire, cough with excessive phlegm, indigestion, arthritis, eczema, or fever should avoid it.
II. Pork, the most iron-rich meat
Pork varies greatly in its lean-to-fat ratio. The fat portion has a high fat content and little protein, and excessive consumption can easily lead to high blood lipids and obesity. Most protein is concentrated in the lean meat, which also contains hemoglobin that can supplement iron and prevent anemia. The hemoglobin in meat is better absorbed than that from plants, so the iron-supplementing effect of eating lean pork is better than eating vegetables. Because pork's muscle fibers are relatively soft and it contains a large amount of intramuscular fat, it is easier to digest and absorb than beef. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, eating lean pork is believed to have the effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and it has a certain therapeutic effect on conditions such as fluid depletion from febrile diseases, dry cough, and constipation.
III. Chicken, the leanest meat
The chicken referred to here is skinless chicken, as almost all of the chicken's fat is in the skin. Every 100 grams of skinless chicken contains 24 grams of protein but only 0.7 grams of fat. Chicken is very beneficial for conditions such as malnutrition, aversion to cold, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, anemia, and weakness.
IV. Fish and shellfish, the richest in trace elements
Fish and shellfish are extremely rich in trace elements, containing calcium, aluminum, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, iodine, chlorine, sulfur, and others that are essential for the human body. Although aquatic products are rich in nutrients, they should not be eaten in excess. Due to ocean pollution, aquatic products often contain toxins and harmful substances, and excessive consumption can easily damage the spleen and stomach, causing gastrointestinal diseases.
V. Beef, the strongest meat
Beef is most suitable for those who are physically weak and have a decline in intellectual ability. The amino acid composition of beef protein is closer to human needs than that of pork, which can improve the body's disease resistance. It is especially suitable for people in growth and development, or for post-operative and post-illness recovery, for replenishing blood loss and repairing tissues. However, the muscle fibers of beef are relatively coarse and difficult to digest, and it has high cholesterol and fat, so the elderly, young children, and people with weak digestion should not eat too much.