1. Lean red meat can play an important role as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Red meat, including beef, lamb and pork, is extremely nutrient rich.. This means that it contains a wide variety of nutrients in a relatively small amount of food. Meat is a primary source of protein. It is also an important source of B vitamins; vitamins which are not found naturally in foods of plant origin. Meat also contributes minerals and trace elements to the diet, particularly iron and zinc.

 

2. The average fat content of red meat is less than 8%

Fully trimmed lean raw beef typically contains approx 5% fat, fully trimmed lean raw pork approx 4% fat and fully trimmed lean raw lamb approx 8% fat. This compares favourably to a food such as cheddar cheese which is has a much greater fat content, averaging about 30%.

 

3. Fat content has decreased substantially over the past 20 years

Over the last 20 years the average fat content of lean red meat has decreased substantially due to modern breeding and feeding programmes, and new methods of butchery which remove a high percentage of visible fat.

For example, the average pork chop purchased in the 50’s would have had a fat content of about 30% (untrimmed). Today the fat content of a lean raw pork leg steak can be as little as 4%.

 

4. Not all fat in Red Meat is saturated

Contrary to general perception, not all fat in lean red meat is saturdated. About half is unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), with meat being one of the major sources of monounsaturated fat in the diet. Meat is a great source of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

 

For further information about Red Meat and great easy meat recipes, visit MeatandHealth.com dedicated to providing everything you want to know about enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

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