Animal-based diet

Pros

1 Meat like poultry, beef, pork and fish contain many of the daily nutrients we need in order to function. These include proteins, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc and magnesium.

2 As we know, proteins are the building blocks for our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. You can agree these are very important functions that we need to keep operating efficiently at all times.

Cons

1 By consuming animal-based products there may an increased risk of cancers due to the probiotics and foods the animals are fed.

2 Animal products have a higher fat content that can contribute to further health problems in the future. This usually comes when animal products are enjoyed in excess.

3 Many animal products cost a lot more to produce than plant proteins. It takes over 18 000 litres of water to support just one beef cow which in turn contributes to our excessive need for water throughout our planet and country.

Seven quality animal-based foods

1 Tuna – 85g of tuna is equivalent to 20g of protein.

2 Salmon – 85g of salmon is equivalent to 19g of protein.

3 Chicken breast – 85g of chicken breast is equivalent to 27g of protein. 4 Skirt steak – 85g of skirt steak is equivalent to 25g of protein.

5 Ground beef (70% lean) – 85g of ground beef is equivalent to 22g of protein. 6 Eggs – 1 large egg is equivalent to 6g of protein.

7 Cheddar cheese – 85g of cheddar cheese is equivalent to 19g of protein.