The 5 Healthiest Meats and 2 to Avoid
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers are all-American meats, but not the best. Kris Sollid, RD, Senior Director.
Meat 101
Sollid says turkey is a lean protein high in vitamin B6 and niacin. These nutrients support heart health, digestion, energy, and brain function.
Best: light, skinless turkey
Poultry is also rich in vitamin B6 and niacin. Journal of Food & Nutrition Research says it helps maintain a healthy weight & overall well-being.
Chicken breast without skin
Lean pork tenderloin is a great meat option. Globally, pork is the most popular meat. The FAO says it supplies 36% of the world's meat.
Best: pork tenderloin and roast
According to a 2016 study in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, lean red meat can be part of a healthy diet. Beef provides protein & essential nutrients.
Flank, strip steak, 95% lean ground beef
Processed meats include cured meats, cold cuts, salami, and hot dogs. Consuming large amounts of processed meats raises colon cancer risk, says science.
Processed Meats
Avoid fatty meats: The American Heart Association says their high saturated fat content may raise cholesterol and cause heart disease.
Fatty Meats
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