February is American Heart Month, and Richland County Nutrition Coalition reached out to the MonDak Stockgrowers Board to help highlight the Heart Healthy benefits of a balanced diet, including moderate amounts of lean beef.
In a study done by researchers at Penn State University, participants who consumed lean beef daily, as part of a heart-healthy diet, had a 10% decline in bad cholesterol. This diet, termed BOLD; Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet, features lean beef as the primary protein source and is rich in vegetable, fruits, whole grain, nuts and beans. Diets with high quality, lean protein can also reduce the risk of chronic disease and reduce high blood pressure. Adding beef to your daily diet can be a great way to show your heart some love.
Not only is beef healthy for your heart, beef fuels your entire body. A 3 ounce serving of lean beef provides almost half the daily serving of protein and gives your body the nutrients it craves such as vitamins B6 & B12, as well as selenium, zinc, niacin, phosphorus, iron and riboflavin; all while being low in calories. Just a 3 ounce serving of lean beef contains more than 10% of your daily needs of all these nutrients in about 150 calories! A serving of lean beef contains less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat and less than 95 mg of cholesterol. Beef can pack quite a nutritional punch. Getting the correct amount of protein can also play an essential role in weight loss. Studies show that protein rich foods, like lean beef, can help you feel full and reduce cravings. The nutrients in beef help you build strong, lean, calorie burning muscle.
There are 38 cuts of lean beef including chuck pot roast, top loin steak, sirloin steak, T-bone steak and ground beef. The possibilities in the kitchen are endless. You are sure to find a healthy and nutritious beef recipe to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
For more facts on the heart healthy benefits of a lean beef diet, or for recipes, visit http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, http://www.factsaboutbeef.com or http://www.montanabeefcouncil.org. The Richland County Nutrition Coalition is proud to partner with the MonDak Area Stockgrowers in support of local farmers and ranchers. Like our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/1rcnc1 or follow us on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/1rcnc1.
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