Rosalee Brown

Many consumers eating animal foods have recently become more and more fearful and some have resorted to a 'no meat' diet.

Unfortunately, most of these persons are not vegetarians and are therefore ignorant of non-animal substitutions for animal foods, and substitute vegetables, mostly leafy greens, for their protein intake.

If you decide to go 'no meat' for health or other reasons, you must find a source of essential amino acids such as legumes and cereals combined. Consume non-animal protein with vitamin-rich foods to help with the absorption of iron from these foods.

The practice of eating leafy greens as the source of protein can lead to inadequate protein intake. I have counselled many individuals, including pregnant women with anaemia who had stopped eating meat out of fear. They fear, for example, that meat contributes to the growth of fibroids and replaced animal foods with 'greens' only and became malnourished.

Meat, poultry, fish and other animal products have long been recognised as foods that contribute in very important ways to the nutritional health of human beings. They provide good quality proteins as most meat products provide the essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and proteins are necessary for the synthesis of many functional components of the body.

Protein

Protein is necessary for the formation of enzymes, hormones and antibodies. It is also necessary for the transportation of nutrients such as calcium, zinc and iron. Most persons are aware of the more obvious structural proteins such as actin and myosin in muscles, the fibrons such as collagen, elastin and keratin in bones, teeth, skin and other structural components of the body.

Essential amino acids

Some of these very important building blocks can be synthesised by the body, so in general they will be available in the amounts required when required. There are other amino acids which are also needed which the body is unable to synthesise and so they must be provided by the food we consume ? these are called essential amino acids.

Animal products

Carlington McEachron from Boston, Portland, home of the famed jerk pork tends to jerk chicken and festival. - file

Animal products contain all these vital amino acids but unfortunately there is a downside to the benefits of animal foods ? they are the source of large amounts of fats including saturated fat which increases the risk for heart disease. It is also the only source of cholesterol, apart from what our bodies produce. Over recent decades the consumption of processed animal foods has increased. These processed foods are sources of additions such as colorants, sodium and nitrate among other unwanted and potentially unhealthy ingredients. Many of these foods are processed intensely increasing some consumers' fears. Many of these processed foods are also very economical when compared to the unprocessed varieties and are therefore consumed in greater quantities.

Legumes and Cereals

Meat is not the only source of proteins, legumes are also good sources. Legumes however, except for soyabean, do not have a large enough percentage of nycin, an essential amino acid, and is said to be limited in this respect. Cereals are also good sources of protein, except that they are limited in the essential amino acid, methionine. Nevertheless, one can solve this problem by combining cereal products with legumes to complete each other (for example, rice with peas or dumplings with beans).

It is always wise when one makes important changes in eating patterns, such as the elimination of a food group, to seek help from a professional. A dietician/nutritionist can provide such guidance.