I’ve had the opportunity to work on the NCBA (National Cattleman Beef Assoc.) account for a few months now and every day I learn something new about beef and its benefits. Being a fan of lists, I decided to make one for the benefits of beef J 

·         Power of Protein - The protein in beef helps you maintain a healthy metabolism, but beef isn’t only useful in maintaining a healthy body. Studies suggest that the protein in beef may be help prevent many chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis. (According to the author 2010 Dietary Guidelines need to recognize the benefits associated with moderate protein intake and emphasize the right amount of protein at each meal.

·         Muscle Mass - A recent research review indicated that increasing daily high-quality protein intake may optimize muscle strength and metabolism, and ultimately improve overall health (According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

·         Weight Management - Evidence suggests that a moderate increase in dietary protein in association with physical activity and a calorie-controlled diet may aid with weight management by increasing thermoneogenesis, which influences satiety and augments energy expenditure, helping maintain lean muscle mass and improve metabolic profile. (According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

·         Heart Health - Research indicates that obese adults can lose weight and decrease their risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes by following a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet (carbohydrate ~40%; protein ~30%; fat ~30% of calories)

1.   A review of 54 studies provides substantial evidence that lean red meat, trimmed of visible fat, does not raise total blood cholesterol or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels

·         Bone Health – As much as we’d all like to think we will be young forever … we have to come to terms with the fact that we are aging. Recent evidence suggests that increasing dietary protein above the DRI of 0.8 g/kg/d may help maintain bone and muscle mass in older individuals. In addition, protein increases calcium absorption, which could be anabolic for bone.

·         Pregnancy – An important nutrient in beef that promotes brain and memory development in growing fetuses and newborn infants. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef is a good source of choline.

·         B VITAMINS – Again, we are going back to aging, but it’s important to consider that low vitamin B12 status is an important risk factor for loss of brain volume in elderly community-dwelling adults.

·         ZINC - Zinc is an essential nutrient, required for numerous metabolic functions, including translating gene information, growth and immunity. Manifestations of zinc deficiency include growth retardation, high rates of infection, skin lesions and impaired wound healing. Red meat, including beef, is a good source of bioavailable zinc as opposed to dietary zinc from plant sources which is less bioavailable.(According to Nutrition & Dietetics) 

·         IRON – An important public health issue of 4 million U.S. children who are iron-deficient, and childhood iron-deficiency anemia is associated with behavioral and cognitive delays.

So with that said, go beef up your diet and spring into season with these delicious recipes from The Beef Checkoff 

·         T-Bone Steak with Parmesan-Dusted Mushrooms

·         Ribeye Steaks and Seasoned Vegetable Kabobs

·         Farmer’s Market Steak Salad

For some more spring meal inspiration and more on beef recipes, storage guidelines and cooking tips, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. 

Happy April J