MEAT AND POULTRY are excellent protein sources. They also supply a variety of other minerals, such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (particularly B12), and important fatty acids, that the body requires. They include iodine to aid thyroid hormone production, iron to transport oxygen throughout the body, zinc to support the immune system, skin health, and growth, development, and reproductive health, Vitamin B12 to assist the nervous system, and omega 3 to assist heart and brain health. As a result, eating meat and poultry once a week as part of a well-balanced diet is a smart idea.