By Ms. Susan M. Collins-Smith, MSU Extension Service
Beef is an excellent choice to include in a balanced diet. About half of the recommended daily value of protein is in a 3-ounce serving of beef!
If you’re like me, you probably don’t know the characteristics of each cut of beef. When you’re at the grocery store, you just make the best guess you can and move on with your food shopping.
You don’t just have to guess, though. The Beef Checkoff program has lots of information about cuts, cooking methods, and nutrition to help you make a more informed decision. Check out this graphic that lays out the retail cuts.
Beef is not only a great source of protein, but it also provides nine other essential nutrients. Check out these nutrients and what they do in the body:
Iron helps your body use oxygen
Choline supports nervous system development
Protein helps preserve and build muscle
Phosphorus helps build bones and teeth
Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system
Niacin supports energy production and metabolism
Riboflavin helps convert food into fuel
Selenium helps protect cells from damage
Vitamins B6 and B12 help maintain brain function and give you energy
Craving a bit of beef now? Try out a few of these recipes we’ve featured on the Food Factor.
This Beef and Potato Kabobs recipe is a summertime staple.
This recipe for Spicy Venison Burgers is just as tasty using beef instead.
Substitute beef for the venison in these Barbecue Venison Meatballs. They’re great in spaghetti and on meatball subs, too!
If tacos are a regular menu item in your house, check out this taco seasoning recipe to spice up your ground beef.
And if you want to fire up the grill for any of these recipes, check out our grilling tips.