[escapee]

Well that's not quite right. They ate very little meat at all (this is all pre-western influence)

A bit of fish protein in Okinawan diet do make a big difference on Zinc, Iron and Copper absorption.

Effect of Protein Level and Protein Source on Zinc Absorption in Humans -- Sandström et al. 119 (1): 48 -- Journal of Nutrition

The effect of increasing levels of various protein sources on zinc absorption from a legume-based meal was studied in humans with the use of a radionuclide technique. The meals were extrinsically labelled with 65Zn and absorption was determined from measurements of the whole-body retention of the isotope. The mean fractional zinc absorption for the 13 meals was 24.7 ± 6.9% and was only influenced by the protein content of the meal to a limited extent (r = 0.45). However, the amount of zinc absorbed from the meals was strongly correlated with both the protein (r = 0.85) and zinc content (r = 0.86): 5.9 ± 1.7 µmol of zinc was absorbed from the basal bean meal which had the lowest protein content; the addition of low zinc chicken doubled the protein content and increased zinc absorption to 10.3 ± 2.0 µmol; the addition of zinc-rich beef also doubled the protein content, however, zinc absorption was increased to 15.9 ± 4.7 µmol. It is concluded that the zinc content of the main protein source of the diet determines the amount of zinc absorbed to a large extent. However, relatively small amounts of animal protein can significantly improve the value of a legume-based meal as a source of zinc.

Zinc Absorption from Plant-based Diets Improves with Diary

Consuming small amounts of milk or yogurt can significantly increase zinc absorption among impoverished people living on plant-based diets, but has little effect on iron absorption, according to a CNRC study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Meat Protein Fractions Enhance Nonheme Iron Absorption in Humans -- Hurrell et al. 136 (11): 2808 -- Journal of Nutrition


Prevent Disease.com - Zinc, Folic Acid Shown to Boost Sperm Count

Treatment with folic acid and zinc supplements may raise the sperm count of some men with fertility problems, new research suggests.

I think the Okinawan diet represents the best of omnivore diet and lifestyle.