Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know that turkey is the traditional protein of choice gracing the tables of most Thanksgiving celebrations, but I hope that beef might still be part of your day. Turkey isn't just bland and dry, it doesn't carry the bang for the buck like beef does. Beef, juicy and delicious, is nutrient dense! Beef has got zip!
Did you know that beef is the number one source of zinc and protein in the diet? Protein is essential to metabolism regulation and can be used as a source of energy. In addition, protein can provide protection from disease by enhancing the body’s immune response. Also, zinc plays a critical role in growth and development, maintenance of the body’s immune system and resistance to infection, wound healing, taste acuity and appetite control.
Did you know that beef is the number three source of iron in the diet? The type of iron found in meat (heme) is two to three times better absorbed than non-heme iron found in plant foods.Also, when consumed at the same meal, meat has been shown to increase the absorption of plant iron two- to four-fold. Meeting iron needs is important for cognitive development, intellectual performance, pregnancy outcome, immune defense and work performance, including intense exercise.
Beef is a nutrition powerhouse. When compared to a skinless chicken breast (or turkey!), beef’s 19 leanest cuts have, on average:
6 ½ times more vitamin B12
6 times more zinc
2 ½ times more iron[22]
So for some extra ZIP in your day, choose beef!
| Permalink| 
