Red meat is the meat of mammals, which contains higher amounts of iron than other meat like chicken or fish. It is usually eaten as roasts, ribs, or steaks, beef is also commonly ground or minced. Patties of ground beef are often used in hamburgers.Processed beef products include corned beef, beef jerky, and sausages.Fresh, lean beef is rich in various vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc. Therefore, moderate intake of beef can be recommended as part of a healthy diet
The following vitamins and minerals are abundant in beef:
- Vitamin B12. Animal-derived foods, such as meat, are the only good dietary sources of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that is important for blood formation and your brain and nervous system.
- Zinc. Beef is very rich in zinc, a mineral that is important for body growth and maintenance.
- Selenium. Meat is generally a rich source of selenium, an essential trace element that serves a variety of functions in your body .
- Iron. Found in high amounts in beef, meat iron is mostly in the heme form, which is absorbed very efficiently.
- Niacin. One of the B vitamins, niacin (vitamin B3) has various important functions in your body. Low niacin intake has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
- Vitamin B6. A family of B vitamins, vitamin B6 is important for blood formation and energy metabolism.
- Phosphorus. Widely found in foods, phosphorus intake is generally high in the Western diet. It’s essential for body growth and maintenance.