Chicken, beef, fish, pig or tofu?

ZiezieO

Chicken, beef, fish, pig or tofu? Which animal (sorry tofu to throw you in that group but oh well) serves the best nutritional values?

VisBella

I suppose it depends on which cut of beef or pork, or what kind of fish. It also probably depends on which nutrients are desired. Salmon has lots of the proper Omegas, but I’m not sure about iron. Beef has iron, but not Omegas. Very interesting question. I’m looking forward to hearing what other people have to say. As far as I'm concerned, tofu has no redeeming qualities, but that's just me.

lyttlewon

It really depends on what you are looking for and trying to cook. If you are only going to eat one of those for the rest of your life I would pick fish. But I can't cook my Indian fare without butter so cows need to come into the equation somewhere. I could happily eat nothing but Japanese food for the remainder of my days, but I would need a little bit of soy to go with the fish.

12by311

I eat all. And quite a bit. Except tofo.

Jersey_Devil

fish is healthy, but you don't want to eat too much of it because of mercury. Personally i'm a chicken fan if i had to choose one for life. but i like beef in terms of it takes a while to break down the protein in it

biged335

I eat all. And quite a bit. Except tofo.

This

lyttlewon

fish is healthy, but you don't want to eat too much of it because of mercury. Personally i'm a chicken fan if i had to choose one for life. but i like beef in terms of it takes a while to break down the protein in it

Mercury risk varies based upon the type of fish.

Nikiki

All if the above and everything in moderation. As others have said everything adds a little something important to your diet that the others are lacking. I'm a little anemic so I like to get in some beef to up my iron, fish has all the great omega's, chicken is super lean and very versatile and bacon is... Well bacon is necessary for life.

Tofu I could live without pretty easily though... Even when I went vegetarian for awhile I didn't really eat a lot of tofu, I got my protein from eggs milk beans and nuts.

lyttlewon

Meat is a higher source of Heme iron but not nonheme iron. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

Nikiki

Meat is a higher source of Heme iron but not nonheme iron. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

And per this article heme iron is better absorbed than non-heme iron.

lyttlewon

Meat is a higher source of Heme iron but not nonheme iron. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

And per this article heme iron is better absorbed than non-heme iron.

Yes. I wasn't arguing BTW just providing more information. The meat we eat typically gets all of their iron from nonheme sources so both are acceptable. Just depends on what your particular preferences and needs are.

Nikiki

Gotcha, I was confused! I think iron is one of the few nutrients out there that the animal source is better than the plant source.

redhousecat

I don't like chicken, very little fish I like, lean beef for sure and a good pork chop. That's about it. Tofu is good but I don't go out of my way to eat it.

InnerFatGirl

Tofu. I don't eat animals.

dougt333

chicken and tuna are best. Beef is best for high protien, pig should not even be considered a food. And I don't know about tofu.

Also have you considered soy by itself or soy milk. It is the only plant food that can give you all amino acids plus plenty of nutrients.

Bobby_Clerici

Probably tofu since I hate it the most.
It's best served wrapped in sea weed and dipped in celery juice.
As for me, I go with ALL OF THE ABOVE in combination, because life is to be lived.
Buon Appetito:drinker:

veggiesaurus15

In my opinion, tofu would be the best option because it is cholesterol free and has some fiber. I would says beans are the absolute best option because of they are high in protein and soluble fiber.

alexbusnello

chicken and tuna are best. Beef is best for high protien, pig should not even be considered a food. And I don't know about tofu.

Also have you considered soy by itself or soy milk. It is the only plant food that can give you all amino acids plus plenty of nutrients.

Pig should not even be considered a food?! Don't make me laugh.... Lol

alexbusnello

I eat all but never tofu. Yuck.

I eat little fish, little pork or red meat, but a lot more leaner meats but I do eat meat, not tofu.

_TastySnoBalls_

Tofu

verapamil

Tofu. I don't eat animals.

This.

lyttlewon

I just realized. I could not live without bacon.

wftiger

I would say all (but I personally do NOT do tofu). Chicken and Turkey are lower in saturated fats. Fish, if you stick to fresh water is lower in mercury and saltwater just stick to the smaller ones (Jack Mackerel, tuna (not albacore), etc.). I myself love beef and bacon but I do try to limit those as the fats are higher than I want every day but I do indulge quite often.

ZiezieO

Thanks MFP, I don't eat a much animal product- besides butter and cheese, but it's SUMMER and the grill has been callin' this girl's name. Lots of great info. You all are awesome!