A balanced diet with lean red meat is a healthy diet – and this is why
Lean red meat is a great source of vitamins and minerals - so there's no harm in having a steak or a burger. In association with Simply Beef and Lamb
THESE days it’s hard to work out how to truly have a healthy diet.
It can be so confusing to decide what is best to feed ourselves and our families to keep them fighting fit and healthy – as well as catering to everyone’s tastes at the same time.
There’s a lot of debate at the moment as to whether red meat is actually good for us. With so many new diets to choose from, it’s confusing and it’s hard to know what’s best for us.
We caught up with Professor Robert Pickard, Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Cardiff, who explained why a balanced diet, including lean red meat, is important in maintaining a healthy diet.
He told us: “We have been eating lean red meat for 7 million years and it is one of our richest source of nutrients. If health is a main concern it doesn’t make sense to remove lean red meat from a balanced diet.”
What are the key health benefits of lean red meat?
- Protein and potassium to help support the growth and maintenance of muscles
- Niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 for supporting normal psychological function
- Riboflavin, pantothenic acid and iron to help reduce tiredness and fatigue
- Zinc to help normalise testosterone levels in the blood and support normal fertility
Professor Pickard continues, “The flexible balanced approach would be to include a mixture of proteins in the diet and ensure it is plentiful in fruit and vegetables which are full of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables contain non-digestible fibre for gut health as well as extra vitamin C and carbohydrates which can be used to improve the uptake of iron in lean red meat found in a beef burger, proving that no foods need to be omitted, rather they should work together to provide a perfect combination of nutrients.”
And what about those trying to lose weight? Do you need to cut out food groups such as meat?
“Dieters don’t need to cut out large food groups and risk feeling deprived and hungry. They can safely eat a varied diet, just in healthy proportions. With meat for example, dieters just need to select lean cuts and trim off unnecessary fat.
Balance is the key to a healthy life, and as dieters eat less in total food quantity, it is beneficial to eat a variety of foods, including lean red meat, to ensure they’re not missing out on any essential nutrients.”
So it seems that it’s perfectly safe and healthy to keep eating red meat – just as long as you keep it lean.”
Stuck for inspiration for tonight’s tea? Check out this recipe for for a balanced and nutritious meal for your family.