4 Health Benefits of Beef You Need to Know About
A juicy hamburger or thicks steak is a favourite for many meat-eaters but each can be high in fat and calories. Depending on what cut of meat you choose, beef can play a healthy part in your diet. Generally the most popular cuts taste good because they contain some fat, and the fat creates more taste. This can lead to an unhealthy consumption of saturated fat, however, opting for leaner choices allows beef, when eaten in moderation, to have a place in your healthy eating plan.
Protein
Protein is a nutrient found throughout the body, including hair, nails, skin, bones and muscles. The amino acids in protein foods work together to promote strong and healthy muscles. All beef cuts supply protein, but choosing the leanest cuts, such as top round, bottom round or top sirloin, are your healthiest choices. These cuts supply about 50 percent of your daily protein needs in a 3-ounce serving, but are considered the lowest in fat and calories.
Vitamin B12
It’s suggested that you need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12 every day. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef supplies 37 percent of your daily vitamin B-12 needs. One of the most important things that vitamin B-12 does is help turn your food into energy to fuel your body. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies can lead to memory problems, tingling in the arms and legs, disorientation and hallucinations. Adding lean beef to your diet will help you reach your daily vitamin B-12 needs.
Zinc
ANother key nutrient in beef is zinc. You need sufficient amount in your daily diet because it helps support a healthy and strong immune system and also contributes to injury healing. A 3-ounce portion of lean beef supplies 39 percent of the zinc you need to consume each day. You get just as much zinc from lean cuts of beef, including top round and shoulder pot roast, so choose the meats with the least amount of fat to get the most nutritional benefit.
Other Nutrients
Beef contains a wealth of other vitamins and minerals that have an important place in your diet. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef supplies 14 percent of your daily iron needs. Iron enables your body to produce healthy red blood cells that can more efficiently transport oxygen throughout your system. Lean beef is also a good source of several B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin, which help you get energy from the food you eat.