Building A Heart-Healthy Diet With Lean Beef: Nutrition

BEEF
nutrition.org
Building a Heart-Healthy
Diet with Lean Beef
Introduction
Americans have always had a love affair with beef and a recent
survey shows that whether celebrating a special occasion or
enjoying an everyday meal, Americans Beef. Yet, people are
often surprised to learn that lean beef can also be good for
their heart. Research shows naturally nutrient-rich lean beef
can be an important part of a heart-healthy diet.i
Surprise!
The Beef You Love is Good For You
Too
Heart Health Helper: A growing body of evidence shows
that lean beef, trimmed of visible fat, can be a part of a
balanced diet that does not increase heart disease risk
factors.ii
A nine-month clinical trial suggests lean red meat can be
part of a cholesterol-lowering diet.iii
A separate research study found that moderately
overweight women, who exercised and consumed lean
protein as part of a nutritionally balanced, reducedcalorie diet, successfully lost weight, lowered bad
cholesterol, maintained good cholesterol, and reduced
body fat.iv
Naturally Nutrient-Rich: On average, a 3-ounce serving of
lean beef is only 153 calories yet a naturally rich source
of 10 essential nutrients including protein, zinc, iron and
B-vitamins that are needed for a healthy, active lifestyle.
Choline, one of the 10 essential nutrients found in beef,
may play a role in breaking down homocysteine, an
amino acid in the blood that may be associated with
increased risk of heart disease.
29 Lean Cuts. One

Powerful Protein.
Beef is an excellent source
of protein, a powerful
nutrient that helps
strengthen and sustain bodies and hearts.
A substantial body of evidence shows protein
can help in maintaining a healthy weight, building
muscle and fueling physical activity all of which
play an important role in a healthful lifestyle and
disease prevention.
Research studies have found that individuals with
the highest protein intake had the lowest risk for
coronary heart disease and the highest quality
diets.v
Protein consumption has benefits to reducing
blood pressure. Research indicates that modest
substitution of carbohydrate-rich foods with
protein-rich foods may lower blood pressure in
people with hypertension.vi
There are 29 cuts of beef that meet government
guidelines for lean, so its easy for people to go
lean with protein and follow the U.S. Dietary
Guidelines.
These 29 cuts all have less than 10 grams of
total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat,
and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per
serving and per 100 grams.
The 29 lean cuts of beef include some of
Americas favorite cuts like T-Bone, Tenderloin
and 95 percent Lean Ground Beef.
Many of Americas Favorite Cuts are Lean (3 oz. cooked)
Bottom
Round Roast
Total Fat
4.9g
Saturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 64 mg
Top
Round Steak
Total Fat
4.6g
Saturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 61 mg
Top
Sirloin Steak
Total Fat
4.9g
Saturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 49 mg
Top
Loin Steak
Total Fat
6.0g
Saturated Fat 2.3g
Cholesterol 56 mg
T-Bone
Steak
Total Fat
8.2g
Saturated Fat
3g
Cholesterol 47 mg
95% Lean
Ground Beef
Total Fat
5.1g
Saturated Fat 2.3g
Cholesterol 65 mg
Lean: Less than 10 g of total fat, 4.5g or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholestorol per 100 grams.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2009. Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22. Based on cooked servings, visible fat trimmed.
Beef Up Your Exercise Routine with Lean Protein

Regular physical activity or light exercise is much more effective when coupled with a
protein-rich diet. Research indicates that a protein-rich diet, which falls within the Institute
of Medicines recommendation for protein intake, coupled with a moderate exercise
program, increased weight loss by helping women become more toned by losing significantly
more fat and maintaining more muscle mass.vii
Research also indicates that increasing daily high-quality protein intake may optimize muscle
strength and metabolism, and ultimately improve overall health. A growing body of evidence
suggests muscle metabolism may also play a role in the prevention of many chronic diseases,
such as type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis.viii
Lean protein, such as lean beef, provides essential nutrients to fuel activity and also help
people consume more essential nutrients in fewer calories, while balancing their food intake
with physical activity.
Because protein promotes satiety, eating a protein-rich meal or snack makes you feel full
longer, and satisfies cravings faster.
Eating lean beef as part of a balanced diet can be part of the solution to maintaining a healthy weight and being active.
A substantial body of evidence shows the nutrients in lean beef, such as protein, iron and B-vitamins, help maintain a
healthy weight, build muscle and fuel physical activity.
Beef s Heart Healthy

Fatty Acids
People are often surprised to learn that much of
the fatty acid in lean beef has positive benefits for
the heart. For example, half of the fatty acids in beef
are monounsaturated the same heart-healthy
type of fat found in olive oil. In fact, beef is one of
the top sources of monounsaturated fatty acids in
the food supply. Beef is also a natural source of the
polyunsaturated fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid
(CLA). Although the research on CLA is still evolving,
evidence suggest this fatty acid may have positive
effects on cardiovascular disease, body composition,
insulin resistance, immune function and bone health.
ix Finally, one-third of the saturated fat in beef
comes in the form of stearic acid, the same fat
recognized as beneficial in chocolate for its neutral
effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Grilled Beef Steaks with Ancho Chili Rub

Total recipe time: 30 minutes
2

Steps:
1. Combine rub ingredients; press evenly onto beef steaks.
2. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill round
(sirloin) tip center steaks, covered, 11 to 13 minutes for medium
rare doneness, turning once; do not overcook. (Grill top loin steaks,
uncovered, 15 to 18 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness,
turning occasionally.) Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
Nutrition information per serving, using round (sirloin) tip center: 159 calories;
6 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 2 g monounsaturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium;
2 g carbohydrate; 0.6 g fiber; 23 g protein; 4.5 mg niacin; 0.5 mg vitamin B6; 2.8 mcg
vitamin B12; 2.6 mg iron; 33.5 mcg selenium; 5.9 mg zinc.
This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and
zinc; and a good source of iron.
Survey conducted by Pelegrin Research Group on behalf of The Beef Checkoff Program.
Li D, Siriamornpun S,Wahlqvist ML, Mann NJ, Sinclair AJ. Lean meat and heart health. Asia Pacific
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005;14(2):113-119.
ii
iii
Truswell A S. Cardiovascular diseases and red meat. Nutrition & Dietetics 2007; 64 (Suppl. 4):
S162S168
Melanson K, Gootman J, Myrdal A, Kline G, Rippe J.Weight loss and total lipid profile changes
in overweight women consuming beef or chicken as the primary protein source. Nutrition. 2003;
19(5):409-414.
Layman D, Clifton P, Gannon M, Krauss R, Nuttall F. Protein in optimal health: heart disease and
type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008. 87 (suppl): 1571S-5S.
v
beef round (sirloin) tip center steaks,

cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
salt as desired
black pepper as desired
Ancho Chili Rub:

1 tablespoon ground ancho chili powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoons dried oregano leaves,
crushed
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel
teaspoon ground cinnamon
Visit BeefNutrition.org for more helpful nutrition

advice and BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com
for recipes and tips for including lean beef as an
important part of a heart-healthy diet.
iv
Makes 4 servings
Hodgson J, Burke V, Beilin L, Puddey I. Partial substitution of carbohydrate intake with protein
intake from lean red meat lowers blood pressure in hypertensive persons. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition. 2006;83:7807.
vi
vii
Noakes M, Keogh JB, Foster PR, Clifton PM. Effect of an energy-restricted, high-protein, low-fat
diet relative to a conventional high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet on weight loss, body composition,
nutritional status, and markers of cardiovascular health in obese women. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 81(6): 1298-1306.
Wolfe, R.The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 84:475-82.
viii
Bhattacharya A, Banu J, Rahman M, et al. Biological effects of conjugated linoleic acid in health
and disease. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2006; 17:789-810.
ix
2010, CATTLEMENS BEEF BOARD AND NATIONAL CATTLEMENS BEEF ASSOCIATION

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BEEF

29 Lean Cuts. One

Many of Americas Favorite Cuts are Lean (3 oz. cooked)

Beef Up Your Exercise Routine with Lean Protein

Beef s Heart Healthy

Grilled Beef Steaks with Ancho Chili Rub

beef round (sirloin) tip center steaks,

Ancho Chili Rub:

Visit BeefNutrition.org for more helpful nutrition

2010, CATTLEMENS BEEF BOARD AND NATIONAL CATTLEMENS BEEF ASSOCIATION

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