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Beef is an
excellent source of 12 essential nutrients, plus energy in a
form easily absorbed and used by the body. The protein in beef
is nutritionally complete, containing all the essential amino
acids in a well-balanced ratio. Beef is a significant
source of Vitamins B6 and B12, thiamine, niacin, zinc and
several other essential elements. In addition, beef provides a
form of iron more readily absorbed by the body than the iron in
fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs or pharmaceutical preparations.
Meat in the diet
also increases the availability of iron from plant foods and
eggs. A single three-ounce cooked lean portion of beef
contributes nearly half of the protein and two-thirds of the
zinc, over one-sixth of the iron and nearly twice the Vitamin
B12 of the
recommended daily
allowances (RDA) for those nutrients, yet only 9 percent of the
RDA for calories.
In addition to
providing essential nutrients and energy, beef is a smart choice
for a healthy diet. For those concerned about fat and
cholesterol in their diets, today's beef is, on average, 50
percent leaner, 34 percent lower in calories and 21 percent
lower in cholesterol than it was 20 years ago, according to
Health Canada.
All beef cuts,
except short ribs, qualify as lean when trimmed of visible fat,
and lean beef compares favorably to skinless, roasted chicken
breast in terms of total fat.
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