Animal Food Ingredients: Definition, Types, Examples

Animal Food Ingredients – Food ingredients are all types of materials that can be used as a food source to support human survival. Food is the main need for humans as a source of nutrition that will help growth and provide energy to carry out various daily activities. In general, human foodstuffs can be grouped into two, namely plant-based foodstuffs and animal-based foodstuffs.

Even though the consumption of foods derived from plant-based foodstuffs has become a basic or primary need for some people, the consumption of foods derived from animal-derived foodstuffs should not be abandoned either because they are very important to meet balanced nutritional needs. To fulfill balanced nutrition, it is recommended to consume staple foods, vegetables and fruits accompanied by consuming foods with protein derived from animal foods every day. Malnutrition can reduce body resistance, increase the risk of disease, abnormal growth, reduce the level of intelligence, and reduce the level of productivity. Therefore, it is important to consume animal-derived foods while still consuming plant-based foodstuffs. To find out more about animal products,

Definition and Benefits of Animal Food Ingredients

Animal food ingredients are food sources produced from animals that can be consumed by humans. Animal food is known as a source of protein and fat. The protein content in animal-derived foodstuffs is relatively high and can play a role in helping to improve health and intelligence. Protein in animal-based foods has a more complete and balanced content of essential amino acids when compared to protein in plant-based foodstuffs. The protein content in animal foods can be easier to digest and absorb by the body. This animal protein can be useful for repairing and building tissues in the human body. In addition to containing protein, animal foods also contain various other nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The following is a book on providing animal protein through catfish farming.

Types of Animal Food Ingredients

Animal food ingredients are generally processed before they can be consumed by humans. These foodstuffs can be processed in various ways to produce delicious and nutritious food. Here are 4 (four) types of animal food that can be consumed to meet daily needs.

1. Meat

   White meat is an animal food which is a source of low-calorie protein. White meat contains unsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 which are good for heart health and can prevent various diseases. In addition, this meat also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, niacin and magnesium.

   Red meat is an animal food which is a source of protein containing essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are the building blocks of body protein which cannot be formed in the body so they need to be obtained from the food consumed. In addition, meat also contains many other ingredients, namely fat and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, iron, niacin and phosphorus. Eating red meat in sufficient portions has various health benefits. Some of the benefits of red meat include maintaining blood health, accelerating healing, increasing metabolism, increasing muscle mass, and increasing bone strength and density.

   The red meat commonly consumed by Indonesians is beef, buffalo and goat. Some of the characteristics of beef, namely having a bright and cherry red color, having an odor that is not distorted (no fishy, ​​pungent and sour smell), the surface of the meat is moist (not dry and not wet), clean and without blood, meat fibers relatively coarse, and can be stored in cold conditions. Buffalo meat has characteristics, namely generally tough meat because it was slaughtered at an old age, has rough muscle fibers, has white fat, has a taste similar to beef, and has a stronger smell than beef. Goat meat has several characteristics, namely the color is pink and bright, has an odor that does not deviate, the surface of the meat is moist, clean and has no blood,

2. Fish

   Here is a book about freshwater consumption fish farming.

4. Egg

   Some of the benefits that can be obtained from consuming eggs, namely forming body tissues and helping their functions, maintaining eye health, maintaining brain health, lowering bad cholesterol levels, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, helping to maintain weight, and helping strengthen the immune system. Despite the many benefits that can be obtained, the consumption of eggs still needs to be considered for people with diabetes, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and those who have problems with blood cholesterol. People with this disease can still consume eggs, but should have a limit of no more than three times a week. Someone who has allergies should also avoid consuming eggs. Symptoms experienced in someone who has an egg allergy, namely rashes on the skin, itching, and abdominal pain. Although mild, these symptoms should not be ignored as they can also have severe reactions in some people.

5. Milk

   Milk is a drink derived from animal food which is very good for consumption by all ages. Milk is also often processed into other foods or drinks, such as cheese or yogurt. Milk has a variety of important nutrients that can help maintain a healthy body. Milk that is generally produced by cows contains carbohydrates, fat, protein, iron, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. Milk can help the process of growth and development in children and helps reduce the risk of various diseases, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, in adults.

   Some of the benefits that can be obtained from consuming milk, namely increasing bone strength, maintaining heart health, increasing muscle mass, reducing cancer risk, boosting the immune system, lowering blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, increasing energy and body fitness, optimizing brain function , preventing dental problems, accelerating wound healing, maintaining eye health, and can make skin look fresher.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Animal Food Ingredients

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of animal-based foods.

Advantages of Animal Food Ingredients

• Animal food ingredients have a protein source that contains nine essential amino acids which are complete and important for the body. This essential amino acid cannot be produced by the human body so it must be obtained from food sources that are consumed.
• Animal food ingredients have protein that contains vitamin B12 and cannot be found in vegetable protein. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, helps expedite the body’s metabolic system, and keeps the nervous system healthy.
• Animal food ingredients contain vitamins D and DHA which can help brain development.
• Animal food ingredients contain iron (heme) and zinc (zinc) which are very useful for maintaining immunity.

Weaknesses of Animal Food Materials

• Animal foods contain high levels of fat and cholesterol, so they should not be consumed in excess because they can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Animal foods have a high enough sodium content that can trigger high blood pressure due to high sodium levels in the blood.
• Animal food ingredients have prices that tend to be higher than plant food ingredients, so it will be quite difficult to obtain by people who have limited economic capacity.
• Foodstuffs of animal origin have low durability or shelf life so they will be easily damaged because they have a high water content and the potential for microbial growth. Therefore, a special place or method of storage is needed that will make this food last longer.