3 Benefits of Adding Deli Meats to Salads and Snacks

It is likely that every time you go to the grocery store, you walk by the deli meats. While these products may be great for sandwiches, it can often be difficult to include them in other meals. However, by using deli meats in salads or snacks, you can prevent weight gain, maintain your muscle mass, and keep your hair and nails looking great.

Prevents Weight Gain

One of the most important benefits associated with the addition of deli meats, such as roast beef, smoked turkey, and other similar items, to salads and snacks, is its ability to prevent weight gain. This is due to a number of different reasons. First, research has found that protein sources, such as the deli meats described above, take a relatively long time to digest. This means that when you eat one of these items, it will stay in your stomach for a relatively long period of time before it is digested and moves to the intestines. This helps to keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, thereby preventing mindless eating and potential weight gain. In addition, protein contains approximately four calories per gram. Compare that to fat, which contains as much as nine calories per gram. This means that when compared to other fattier snacks, lean deli meats, such as smoked turkey and roast beef, are relatively low in calories. For best results when using deli meats for weight loss, be sure to avoid heavily salted or cured meats, as they can lead to water retention.

Helps Maintain Muscle Mass

Another benefit associated with adding deli meats to salads and snacks is that deli meat can help in the maintenance of muscle mass. This is also very important for a number of reasons. First, research has found that the more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolic rate will be, and therefore, the faster you will burn food. The faster you burn your food, the less your risk of developing obesity. Therefore, it is essential that you eat enough protein over the course of the day to help maintain your current muscle mass. In addition, your muscles help out in a number of ways each day. Without them, you would have an exceedingly difficult time performing the activities of daily living. One of the reasons that elderly people often experience falls, fractures, and breaks is due to the fact that their muscle mass decreases significantly as they age. Therefore, getting enough protein in your diet is essential, especially as you age.

Promotes Healthy Hair and Nails

Finally, protein plays an important part in the appearance of your hair and nails. Without adequate protein intake, your hair would appear dull and lifeless, and your nails would be thin and brittle. Adding deli meats to your salads and snacks is a great way to prevent this from happening.


About Author

Posts By Sequoia