Here are the five healthiest types of meat

Whether you want to build muscle, maintain muscle while losing weight, or prepare meals that fill you up and satisfy you, increasing your daily protein intake will help.

Although protein can be easily obtained from plant sources, animal protein is considered a higher quality protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids and is easier to digest and absorb than plant protein.

There are two different types of animal protein: meat and non-meat. Meat can be beef, fish, pork or poultry, and non-meat is any animal by-product, such as dairy products and eggs.

While some meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, others are incredibly healthy, providing plenty of protein and other essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron and zinc in just a few ounces.

1. Pork fillet

Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Just 0.085 kg of cooked pork tenderloin has 22 grams of protein and only 2.4 grams of saturated fat.

2. Salmon

Salmon is a versatile and healthy animal protein. A 0.085 kg serving of wild Atlantic salmon has seven grams of fat, most of which comes from heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Extra lean minced meat

Extra lean ground beef is at least 90% lean with 10% or less fat. Just one 0.085 kg serving of ground beef has 22 grams of protein, 12% DV (daily value) of iron and 50% DV of zinc.

4. Sardines

Sardines are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and minerals. Just one 0.106 kg can has 22.6 grams of quality protein, as well as 27% DV for calcium.

5. Cod

Cod is an excellent seafood choice that is rich in protein, mild in taste and incredibly easy to eat. With less than a gram of fat, just 90 calories and 19 grams of protein per 0.085 kg, it's a healthy, high-protein choice for dinner.