Nutrition Information

Getting to Know the Meat We Eat

According to the 2010 Dietary Guidlines Committee it is recommended that adults eat 3.7 ounces of meat, poultry or eggs per day from the protein food group. When incorporated with physical activity lean beef can help you manage your weight, build lean muscle and improve heart health. As part of a healthy diet lean beef is best when paired with 1/2 cup of fruit, 2 1/2 cups of vegetables, 1 ounce of grains and 1 cup of dairy. a close-up picture of green asparagus on a bamboo cutting board

There are currently 29 cuts of beef that are considered lean by the USDA. The USDA defines lean cuts as a 3.5 oz. serving that contains less than:

10 grams of total fat
4.5 grams saturated fat
95 milligrams of cholesterol

A 3.5 oz. serving of an extra-lean cut contain less than:

5 grams of total fat
2 grams saturated fat
95 milligrams cholesterol

In a 2,000 calorie diet, a 3 oz. serving of beef is equal to less than 10 percent of calories. However, 3 oz. of lean beef provides more than 10 percent of the Daily Value for:

Protein: 48%
Selenium: 41%
Vitamin B-12: 37%
Zinc: 33%
Niacin: 25%
Vitamin B-6: 20%
Phosphorous: 19%
Choline: 17%
Iron: 12%

For more detailed information, the image below is linked to a factsheet on a beef nutrition website that is funded by the Beef Checkoff. This website is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to learn more about beef.

Beefy Facts!

Did you know that a 3 oz. serving of lean beef is about the size of a deck of cards?
3 oz. of lean beef contains about 150 calories and 10 essential nutrients
Top Sirloin filet is certified heart healthy by the American Heart Association
Eating lean beef daily as part of a heart-healthy diet can help lower cholesterol
The protein in beef helps maintain a healthy metabolism