It’s good to know if our food choices are providing us with the nutrient we need. Some of us choose to exclude certain things, like red meat, from our diets, while others enjoy a nice juicy cut of meat. A fact-finding visit to WebMD about the nutritional value of red meat provides us some interesting facts:
• Red meat is high in iron, something many teenage girls and women in their childbearing years are lacking. The heme iron in red meat is easily absorbed by the body.
• Red meat also supplies vitamin B12, which helps make DNA and keeps nerve and red blood cells healthy, and zinc, which keeps the immune system working properly.
• Red meat provides protein, which helps build bones and muscles. While opinions differ on how much red meat one should eat, most nutritionists agree that focusing on sensible portions, for those who choose to eat it, is important. Ask yourself:
• Are you taking in more calories than you’re burning off?
• Is red meat crowding out foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains? Government guidelines suggest 5 to 6 1/2 ounces daily of protein from a variety of sources, including lean meats, nuts, and seafood. So if you’re planning on eating a burger, it should be about 3-ounces.
