Beef Nutrition

Beef nutrition

Beef Central, 01/11/2011

 

Red meat is one of the world's best sources of five essential nutrients – iron, zinc, omega-3, B vitamins and protein.

Consumed three times a week by most Australians, red meat plays an important role in the Australian diet – it is the largest contributor of readily available iron and zinc and the second largest contributor of omega-3, after fish.

Consuming red meat three to four times weekly makes it easy to meet your iron and zinc needs.

With less than 4 percent saturated fat, trimmed red meat has the Heart Foundation’s Tick of Approval.

Iron and zinc in red meat is well absorbed by the body.

Zinc absorption is reduced by phytates in plant foods such as legumes and wholegrains. The ratio of phytate to zinc in the diet is an important predictor of zinc deficiency.

In fact, zinc deficiency was first reported in Egyptian boys with impaired growth and delayed sexual maturation where the diet was high in phytate. Unfortunately, zinc status is difficult to measure and so there is little evidence to date on the prevalence and health consequences of zinc deficiency in the Australian community.

 

Source of omega-3

Three surprising facts about red meat and omega-3:

  • A 150g serve of uncooked red meat is a source of omega-3, providing 50mg of omega-31.
  • It contributes 22pc to the amount of omega-3 (500mg) which is recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases.
  • Because red meat is consumed three times a week on average in Australia, it is the second largest contributor of omega-3 in the Australian diet, after fish.

 

Good source of B vitamins and protein

A 150g serve of uncooked red meat provides more than 50%3 of the recommended dietary requirements for key nutrients

 

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet


The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is founded on clinical studies that proved a high-protein, low fat eating plan allows people to eat less and effectively lose weight while still feeling satisfied.

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet includes trimmed red meat three to four times a week to help meet requirements for essential nutrients, particularly iron and zinc as well as protein.

The plan is not only a healthy way of eating it includes delicious meal ideas making it easy to follow.

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet books will help you understand the principles of the diet and provides many recipes and practical tips for eating out and maintaining an exercise program.

The books feature feature a two-week meal plan and a handful of recipes as featured in the Australian Women's Weekly. 

You can download the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet booklet here

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