Nowadays, people are increasingly paying more and more attention to the type of food we eat in order to try to ensure that it is as natural and with the lowest possible degree of processing. That is why it is important to know the nutritional benefits of the foods in our shopping basket and why white meat is a highly recommended ingredient of a healthy and balanced diet, including the contribution of nutritional values as important as protein.
Among the nutritional benefits we ought to pay attention to is the adequate consumption of protein.
According to the European Commission, proteins are basic constituents in all living organisms that contain important source of nitrogen (16% according to FAO 2002) and of energy (4 kcl/g of protein). And why’s nitrogen important for your body and health one might wonder.
According to the World Health Organization , nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids that help build protein blocks. The measurement of nitrogen intake can help with protein metabolism.
According to various studies, in addition to maintaining adequate levels of muscle mass and providing energy, protein-rich meat contributes to:
Picture by Bulut Tuncay
Nowadays, people are increasingly paying more and more attention to the type of food we eat in order to try to ensure that it is as natural and with the lowest possible degree of processing. That is why it is important to know the nutritional benefits of the foods in our shopping basket and why white meat is a highly recommended ingredient of a healthy and balanced diet, including the contribution of nutritional values as important as protein.
Among the nutritional benefits we ought to pay attention to is the adequate consumption of protein.
According to the European Commission, proteins are basic constituents in all living organisms that contain important source of nitrogen (16% according to FAO 2002) and of energy (4 kcl/g of protein). And why’s nitrogen important for your body and health one might wonder.
According to the World Health Organization , nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids that help build protein blocks. The measurement of nitrogen intake can help with protein metabolism.
According to various studies, in addition to maintaining adequate levels of muscle mass and providing energy, protein-rich meat contributes to:
Picture by Bulut Tuncay
Animal-derived foods | Protein content (g/100 g) | % energy from protein |
| Beef (average) | 16.9 | 48 |
| Chicken | 20.2 | 44 |
| Fish (weighted average) | 18.9 | 53 |
| Eggs (without shell) | 12.6 | 38 |
| Cheese (average) | 23.4 | 34 |
| Pork (average) | 18.9 | 39 |
| Milk (3.5% fat, boiled) | 3.1 | 19 |
| Yogurt (plain, 2.5% fat) | 3.0 | 22 |
Source: Own elaboration based on KNOWLEDGE FOR POLICY (European Commission) data
In adults, the recommended daily amount of protein ranges from 0.80 to 0.83 g per kilogram of body weight, for both men and women with modest levels of physical activity (European Food Safety Authority). For example, a woman weighing 65 kilograms should include in her diet between 52 and 53.95 grams of protein, while a man weighing 80 kilograms between 64 and 66.4 grams.
The recommended amounts for children and pregnant or lactating women are higher, to allow for the deposition of body tissues and the secretion of milk.
Remember it is recommendable to mix protein intake from poultry meat with other sources such as legumes and combine it with vegetables.
In addition to providing a good dose of protein, European poultry meat has other benefits for our bodies. On the one hand, poultry meat supplies the body with important vitamins and minerals, with the B group vitamins such as B3 and B5, as well as being a natural source of zinc and phosphorus, which contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. (France and Germany footnote)
In addition to providing a good dose of protein, European poultry meat has other benefits for our bodies. On the one hand, poultry meat supplies the body with important vitamins and minerals, with the B group vitamins such as B6 and B12, as well as being a natural source of magnesium and phosphorus, which contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. (Spain footnote)
It is one of the goals of the sector to promote and raise awareness on the benefits of a nutritious diet and healthy habits of consumption. This is why we recommend and encourage taking care of what you eat and consult reliable sources of information on health habits, such as the national Food Based Dietary Guidelines.
On the other hand, beyond the benefits for our bodies, European poultry meat contributes to the three pillars of sustainability, which means lots of benefits for the environment, society and animals as well as for our economy. Here you can find more information on the sector’s contribution to each type of sustainability.
SUST EU POULTRY is a two-year promotion campaign supported by the European Commission and launched by three national poultry associations and their European umbrella association (from Germany, France and Spain) with the main goal of raising awareness among European consumers and professionals about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and a product of great quality.
You can also learn more about sustainability of the sector by downloading our press kit here.
Additional information
PRESS CONTACT Ana María Martín ATLAS MARKETING STUDIO
internacional@atlasmarketingstudio.com | CONTACT AVEC Federica Chiarella AVEC SECRETARIAT
fc@avec-poultry.eu |
The content of the present advertising solely represents the opinion of the author and is the exclusive responsibility of the same.
The European Commission assumes no responsibility for the use that may be made of the information contained therein.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. For guidance on balanced and healthy diets, please refer to the National Food Dietary Guidelines: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/food-based-dietary-guidelines-europe-source-documents-food_en
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. For guidance on balanced and healthy diets, please refer to the National Food Dietary Guidelines: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/food-based-dietary-guidelines-europe-source-documents-food_en
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No matter which European country the poultry meat comes from, consumers can always rely on food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Being a major trading partner in the global poultry meat market, the EU has proved to be a role model by having some of the highest standards in the world.
