Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Beef... Its What's For Dinner

I forgot how good beef was for you!

Last month I had the opportunity to get involve in the first-ever graduating class of NCBA's Master's of Beef Advocacy course. The program entails six online modules and hands on training. The course talked about the key points that we need to share with consumers on how we produce beef and why it is a safe wholesome product. 

One of the modules was over nutrition. I have always loved beef - my favorite is prime rib, followed by filet mignon and a good homemade hamburger. What I had forgotten was how nutritious beef actually is. 

A 3oz. serving of beef:
  • Contains 51% of your daily protein requirement. Protein plays an important role in weight management, as proteins are more satisfying than carbohydrates, thus giving you more of a full feeling. Also, do to its muscle building capabilities it can help regulate and increase metabolism and enhances the effects of exercise - and who wouldn't mind that!
  • Provides 38% of your daily Zinc needs. Zinc is needed for carrying oxygen to your heart and lunges and also plays a role in your metabolism. A 3oz. portion of beef contains six times more zinc than a skinless chicken breast. 
  • Gives you 37% of your daily iron. Iron is especially important to women, as 1 in 5 do not receive enough iron. Also, there are 4 million children in the U.S. that are iron deficient. Iron deficiency is associated with behavioral and cognitive delays. You would have to eat 3 cups of uncooked spinach to get the same amount of iron as found in a 3oz. portion of beef. Salad or steak - hmm. 
Finally, some people think that beef is a fatty food, however there are 29 government approved lean cuts of beef, all containing fewer than 175 calories, and all only have one more gram of fat than a skinless chicken breast. Just look for the terms round or loin to find these lean cuts. 

Just think grilling season is around the corner!

1 comment:

  1. Mmmmm....thanks for reminding me how much I love this stuff! :)

    ReplyDelete

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