Beef Nutrition Facts

Nature's best-tasting multivitamin - each delicious bite of beef is packed with nutrients.  A 3-ounce serving of lean beef has less than 180 calories yet is a major source of 10 essential nutrients. 

Calorie-for-calorie, beef is one of the most naturally nutrient-rich foods.  According to research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, beef is the number one source of protein, zinc, and vitamin B12; the number two source of selenium; the number three source of iron, vitamin B6, phosphorus, niacin and potassium; and the number four food source of riboflavin.

Red meat's fat profile is often misunderstood and a common misperception is that animal proteins provide only saturated fat.  Surprisingly, half the fat in beef is monounsaturated, the same type of heart-healthy fat found in salmon and olive oil.  In addition, one-third of the saturated fat in beef is stearic acid, which studies have shown has a neutral or cholesterol-lowering effect. 

Today, there are 29 cuts of beef that are leaner than a skinless chicken thigh, and that meet USDA labeling guidelines for leanness - with less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3-ounce serving.

Beef. It tastes great and is great for you.