Why is it important to make lean or low-fat choices from the protein foods group?
Foods in the meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, and seed group provide nutrients that are vital for health and maintenance of your body. However, choosing foods from this group that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol may have health implications. Nutrients Food sources of the nutrients in bold can be found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans . Click on the nutrient name to link to the food sources table. • Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds supply many nutrients. These include protein, B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and B6), vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium. • Proteins function as building blocks for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. They are also building blocks for enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. Proteins are one of three nutrients that provide calories (the others are fat and carbohydrates). • B vitamins found in this food group serve a variety of functions in the body. They help the body release energy, play a vital role
