BEEF - Providing Many of the Body's Essential Nutrients
"If it tastes good, it must be bad for you." We've certainly
heard that often enough, as media reports herald recent findings
that show our
favorite foods are full of hidden dangers.
Actually, eating
beef is satisfying because it's so good for you. Nutritionists
are rethinking their warnings about beef
as recent research is turning up impressive results in favor
of choosing beef.
It doesn't matter if you're following a low-fat
or low-carb diet, or maintaining your weight by healthfully
eating a variety of good foods,
beef should be an integral part of your dietary habits.
In addition to its savory flavor and eating enjoyment, a 3 ounce
portion of steak provides
half the essential protein the body needs in an entire
day.
Beef also contains significant amounts of some of the most
important vitamins and minerals the body requires. Among
them are:
Vitamin B12 - this vitamin performs a dual
role promoting growth, maintaining healthy cells and acts as
a co-enzyme to release the energy in other foods. It is only
found in meats, with
beef being
one of the
best sources. If you're feeling stressed, it might
be caused by a lack of B12.
Iron - Iron deficiency is the most
common nutritional deficiency in the United States even though
it is readily available. Women during their child-bearing years,
are especially
vulnerable. Iron comes
in two
forms, with the iron in beef being the easiest to
absorb, compared to the type found in bread, cereals, and leafy
green vegetables. Beef
and
Vitamin C aid in the absorption rate of iron from
other sources, so by pairing beef with vegetables high in
iron,
such as
spinach, it should
be easy to maintain a healthy level of iron in the
blood.
 Zinc - is used to maintain the body's immune
system, to heal wounds, and to control appetite. Like iron,
the zinc in beef
is easily absorbed and aids in the absorption of
zinc in other foods when eaten
at the same meal.
Fat - believe it or not, fat
is an essential nutrient. Fat-free diets can impede the body's
ability to
absorb Vitamins A,
D, E and K. These fat-soluble vitamins need fat
to be transported and absorbed
in
the body. It is, however, easy to overindulge,
since so many of our favorite foods are high
in fat. But by including beef
in your diet, it's easy to
get the right amount in combination with fresh
fruits
and vegetables. Examples include beef stir-fry,
hamburger casseroles, or beef
salads.
Selinium - is a trace mineral found in
the highest amounts in seafood and meats. It works with Vitamin
E as an antioxidant
to help prevent
damage to the body's cells.
Conjugated Linoleic
Acid - is a dietary fatty acid found in food from ruminants,
such as cattle and sheep. Recent nutritional studies
show
that it has anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic,
and anti-atherogenic properties. CLA may
also help lower serum cholesterol
and triglyceride levels, which
may help prevent the blockage of arteries.
As you can see, as nutritionists learn more and more about the inner
workings of the
body, and the role proteins, vitamins,
and minerals play in its healthy function, beef continues
to be among the most nutrient-dense foods
available
to us.
To learn more, visit the following
sites:
Food and Nutrition Information Center
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/
American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org
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