Question

Discuss: Many athletes, both professional and weekend, think that the only way for them to meet protein needs is to consume meat, chicken and other animal protein sources. Using the information that you have learned about protein what do you think? Is it true that athletes have to consume meat? Please make sure that you support your responses with facts. Give examples of complimentary proteins. You can use resources other than the book to support your response but make sure the sources you use are RELIABLE and scientific! Share your resources with the group.

Answer 1

The western diet which includes meat, lamb, poultry, fish are a rich source of protein, zinc, iron, and vitamin B. it has been found that iron and zinc are mostly deficient in a vegetarian diet and also in the diet of athletes. As we know that not a single type of food can fulfill all the nutritional requirements of the body, the same as no single type of meat can provide the essential nutrients. from a survey, it has been found that around 25% of the energy in legumes comes from protein calories but the quality of protein in most of the legumes is a limitation and does not contain a full complement of the essential amino acids.

Red meats and oysters are an excellent source of zinc and there are certain factors in the vegetarian diet that inhibits its absorption. the factors include phytic acid, fibers, tannins, oxalic acid, etc which are found predominantly in soy protein, cheese, beans, etc. hence, it was concluded that zinc from the animal source is more bioavailable than plant source.

consuming animal protein in the diet is a personal choice, but if an athlete is excluding meat from his/her diet then he/she has to make sure to plan their diet in order to enhance nutrient availability, especially for iron and zinc.

decreased nutritional status have been seen in athletes who have eliminated meat from their diet and insufficient quantity of iron and zinc will hinder their performance.