Power Packed with Nutrients
There are simply very few foods as rich in nutrients as animal-based proteins. Beef is particularly nutrient dense and stands out when it comes to several essential vitamins and minerals.
Click to enlarge image.
Click to enlarge image.
Iron
Did you know that vegetarians need almost 2 times more iron in their diets than meat eaters? Did you know that iron is critical for brain development of growing children and meat should be among the first foods served to babies?
These facts and others show the value and importance of iron-rich beef in the diet. Iron is an essential nutrient for all people at all life stages. Iron builds red blood cells, carries oxygen to all parts of the body and helps your brain work at its best.
The type of iron found in meat is different than the type found in plant foods and eggs. The type in beef, called heme iron, is more easily absorbed than the non-heme type found in foods such as spinach, nuts or tofu.
Zinc
Zinc supports the body’s immune system, growth and development and influence the activity of many hormones. Beef is an excellent source of zinc. Including zinc-rich foods, such as lean beef, is critical in achieving a balanced and nutritious eating pattern.
Vitamin B12
Did you know that you can only get B12 from animal sources? Vitamin B12 is a unique B vitamin because it is found naturally only in meat, poultry, fish, eggs and milk products.
Beef is one of the richest sources of vitamin B12 – a 100g serving of cooked beef gives you 125% of your daily needs!
Vitamin B12 helps all your body’s cells work well and is especially important for:
- Building healthy blood cells
- Maintaining a healthy nervous system
- Promoting the healthy functioning of your brain
