Why your teen should be eating meat
Between the ages of 13 – 19 our bodies goes through a huge period of growth and development, so it’s vital that teenagers eat the right food and get the right amount of nutrients to help support these changes.
Research shows teens across the UK often have inadequate intakes of vital vitamins and minerals due to a poor diet, and this can contribute to problems such as acne, tiredness, heavy/light periods and even effect your mood. So how can meat help?
Good quality meat (think steak, not burgers) is a rich source of nutrients vital to the diet, including protein, iron, zinc and vitamins A, B2, B6 and B12 (amongst others!). Here are 5 reasons why teens should include meat in their diet:
1. Skin and Hair – Red meat contains Riboflavin (vitamin B2), which helps to keep skin healthy, by helping your skin develop and repaid faster. Zinc is another substance found in red meat; it contributes to the maintenance of healthy hair. If your hair is looking a little lank, give a beef stir-fry a go!
2. Brain power – Iron, found in red meat, helps to ward off tiredness, which is why a lack of Iron (a condition also known as anaemia) affects our mental performance. Red meat also contains B6, which keeps our brain functioning normally; so, why not give a piri piri burger a try before your next exam.
3. Fitness – A steak, or your mum’s shepherd’s pie, is a great source of protein; protein helps our bodies to build muscle, but also keeps us feeling fuller for longer. Niacin is another helpful nutrient found in red meat, which helps the body get energy from food, leaving you feeling more fit and lively. Lamb quesadillas taste great and are a good source of protein.
4. Immunity – Red meat contains Vitamin A, which contributes the normal function of the immune system, helping to keep colds at bay. Give roast pork a go when you’re feeling peaky.
5. Periods – As we know, red meat contains Iron. We females lose iron during our periods, which is why we often end up feeling so tired. Boost your iron levels with some lamb fajitas when you’re feeling a little sluggish around that time of the month.
Go to our Food & Drink page for some delicious recipes or head to www.meatmatters.com for some more inspiration.
Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Meat Advisory Panel states: “Lean (unprocessed) red meat when eaten within a healthy, balanced diet contains important nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, zinc and selenium, which may have a role in supporting teenagers’ health”.
Tagged in Diet Healthy eating Diet tips