Grass-fed Animal Proteins and Fats Are Critical for Health and Development
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition has shown how critical it is that humans consume a diet that contains animal proteins and fats. By comparing the diet of humans to the diet of apes (the closest living relative to humans), the researchers were able to determine that humans were able to evolve because we consume a diet that includes meats, while apes consume a diet that mostly comes from plant-based sources.
The study found that, "Without routine access to ASF [animal source foods], it is highly unlikely that evolving humans could have achieved their unusually large and complex brain while simultaneously continuing their evolutionary trajectory as large, active and highly social primates." (Milton 3886-3892)
What this study found is that humans needed essential vitamins and minerals to evolve, and those nutrients are found in animal products, such as meats and organs. Animal proteins are important for physical development in children, and are critical to the health of both children and adults. The study in The Journal of Nutrition found that if children are given a diet high in fibrous plant sources and are not given animal proteins, they may face problems. The study noted that animal proteins are easily digestible and supply the body with necessary nutrients and energy to support growth and development.
"Meat, organs, brains, viscera and marrow are highly digestible, concentrated sources of iron, calcium, iodine, sodium and zinc as well as vitamins A, B-1, niacin, B-6, B-12, folate, vitamin K and other micronutrients, as well as high quality protein and essential fatty acids." (Milton 3886-3892)
Grass-fed animal proteins play a large role in keeping us physically healthy, which includes our dental health. One of the most critical components of animal meats is
The body needs to be supplied with fat-soluble vitamins, which come from animal fats, and amino acids, which come from proteins, to rebuild bones and tissues. Both fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids can be found in grass-fed animal products and are essential for maintaining your health. People who do not consume a diet with animal proteins will lack important nutrients in their diet, which can lead to health problems, such as
To maintain optimum dental health, grass-fed animal products are critical. Some of the best sources of proteins and fat-soluble vitamins include:
- Meats and organs from grass-fed land animals
- Organs and head meat from wild caught fish or shellfish
- Dairy products from grass-fed animals, such as raw milk, eggs, or butter
References:
Milton, Katharine. "The Critical Role Played by Animal Source Foods in Human (Homo) Evolution." Journal of Nutrition. 133.11 (2003): 3886-3892. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. < http://jn.nutrition.org/content/133/11/3886S.full >.
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