Traditionally, meatloaf is prepared with ground beef or a mix of ground beef, veal, and pork making it too high in Sodium and fat, and hence people consider it as a healthy dish. Moreover, this delicious dish can be made at home using healthier ingredients and thus improve its nutritious state. Visit the meatloaf recipe web page to see various nutritious meatloaf recipes. Some of the health benefits of meat loaf are described below.
Health benefits of meatloaf
Meatloaf is a good source of energy.
Meatloaf has proteins which are sources of energy. One beef meatloaf provides you with over 200 calories per 4-ounce serving, and this is dependent on the type of ground beef used. Therefore, by watching the serving size, one can stay within their recommended daily calories. Meatloaf’s made with ground turkey, chicken or bison has lower calories in comparison to one prepared with beef or pork. For example, a meatloaf made with lean ground turkey has less than 200 calories per 4-ounce serving.
Meatloaf is a source of healthy fats.
Homemade meatloaf has a lot of monounsaturated fat in contrast to saturated fat and thus minimizes bad cholesterol being consumed. A vegetarian meatloaf is cholesterol-free. The chance of one being overweight is lowered due to consumption of little or no cholesterol and in return occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is reduced. When nuts and seeds are used in the recipe, polyunsaturated fat, which is one of the healthy fats often lacking in processed foods is made available.
Homemade meatloaf has reduced sodium content.
Making meatloaf at home helps in reducing the amount of sodium in it, especially if herbs and spices are preferred to flavor the meatloaf instead of salt. Sodium is important to human health. It plays a major role in regulating body fluids by signaling the kidneys as to when to retain the water or get rid of it. Also, sodium regulates nerve transmissions and contraction of muscles.
However, consuming a lot of sodium can lead to the development of complications such as high blood pressure and edema. Thus, our bodies have to balance the level of sodium to ensure that we have just what is needed.
Additional benefits
Meatloaf is a source of B vitamins, Vitamin A and C, which are essential mineral requirements of various biological processes. Legumes and vegetables that are incorporated in the recipe are rich in dietary fiber, which helps lubricate the digestive system and prevent escalating blood sugar levels. The spices used in making meatloaf, such as garlic and are antioxidants that help boost body immunity.
The secret of getting utmost health benefits from a diet of meatloaf lies in its ingredients. Incorporating healthy ingredients will ensure that you not only enjoy your meal but enhance its nutritional content.