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Expert Q&A
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| By Cynthia Lair Nutritionist | ||
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Is meat essential for people, and if not, what foods can you eat to replace the nutrients meat gives you?
Humans eat meat mostly for the macronutrient PROTEIN. Protein is not the best source of energy but it is important for growth and repair. You can get all eight essential amino acids that are found in meat by combining whole grains and beans/legumes or whole grains and dairy products. Humans eat red meat for iron also. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, nuts and seed, whole grains and sea vegetables. Adequate vitamin C is needed for non-heme (sources other than meat) iron to be absorbed."
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