NBA Backs Nutritional Quality of Beef

UK - Cattle farmers in the UK are urging people, who want to look after their health, to make sure that fresh beef has a regular place in their shopping basket.
calendar icon 5 August 2011
clock icon 2 minute read

The National Beef Association, whose members own cattle that graze land in every corner of the UK, would like young people struggling to reduce obesity, mothers anxious to combat anaemia, and older people determined to remain healthy during their retirement, to include fresh beef in their regular diet.

“Farmers have explained how beef cattle protect the British landscape and now they want to make sure consumers understand just how good and nutritious beef is to eat,” said NBA director, Kim Haywood.

“They are pleased the most recent retail surveys show a massive 13 per cent increase in fresh beef purchases compared with the same time last year and hope this means that their message about beef being an essential part of a balanced diet is at last being recognised.”

The NBA describes beef as nutritionally dense because it is packed with proteins and a large range of vitamins and minerals that are essential for everyday well being.

“In trace element terms it is a one-stop food. Its zinc and selenium give an essential boost to the immune system, its B-group vitamins, which are only found in meat, maintain the nervous system and helps memory and concentration, while its vitamin D gives bones added strength,” said Ms Haywood, who is a qualified nutritionist.

“On top of that beef comes second only to fish as the most important source of omega-3 acids that are considered so essential for good heart health.

“Lean beef provides over 50 per cent of daily iron requirements. This makes it valuable to pregnant mums because it helps to protect against anaemia, maintains energy levels and helps to develop the brain functions of infants.”

“But its greatest contribution to consumer health may come through its high protein levels. These help regenerate bone, muscle and essential organs and are more digestible than proteins contained in beans or wheat.”

“The other essential message is that beef is not a major source of fat. Modern cattle are bred to be lean and farmers are paid more if the stock they produce hits pre-fixed, lean category targets.”

“Modern nutritional analysis shows that this, combined with pre-trimming in butchers’ shops and supermarket packing plants, means fresh beef has low levels of saturated fat,” Ms Haywood added.

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