Beef Nutrition & Health Resources
Download and view checkoff-funded beef nutrition and health educational resources that make every beef bite count.
Beef's Top 10
Beef gives you the nutrients you need and the taste you love. Discover how these nutrients work together to keep your body strong, energized, and resilient.
Beef in a Heart-Healthy Diet:
Choosing Beef: New Diabetes & Heart Health Research Review
Research from Indiana University shows those at risk for diabetes can choose to substitute carbs with lean beef without increasing disease and diabetes risk facts.
Choosing Beef: New Diabetes & Heart Health Research Findings
In a randomized controlled trial, substituting lean beef for carbohydrates in a healthy dietary pattern did not adversely affect cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Getting to the Meat of Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet's health benefits come not from avoiding red meat, but from pairing it with abundant vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy oils—a pattern that Mediterranean countries follow as much as or more than the United States.
Lean Beef in a Mediterranean Diet
A heart-healthy eating pattern that includes lean beef, along with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, supports cardiovascular and metabolic health by reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
Suprising Facts About Lean Beef
Lean beef delivers nutrient-dense benefits—high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins—in relatively few calories, making it a delicious and efficient protein source despite common misconceptions about it.
Evaluating Beef With Heart-Health Eating Patterns
A systematic review shows that up to 6 ounces of lean beef daily supports heart health while providing important protein, iron, and zinc.
Beef: Nutrition Made Simple
It's no secret that beef is a protein powerhouse, but it is also a foundational food that nourishes people at every stage of life thanks to its unique combination of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and B vitamins In fact, no other protein source offers the same nutrient mix.
Beef in the Early Years:
Beef in the Early Years Brief
A research brief shows that major health authorities including the American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, and USDA recommend introducing nutrient-dense complementary foods like beef at approximately 6 months of age, based on the infant's developmental readiness.
Back to School with Sports Nutrition Toolkit
A sports nutrition plan helps student-athletes balance demanding schedules while optimizing performance in both academics and athletics.
Beef's Nutrients During Adolescence
Beef provides critical nutrients—protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins—that support healthy growth and development during adolescence.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Infant Growth
A baby’s body grows tremendously in the first year: body weight triples, length more than doubles and the brain/head increases by 40 percent. A focus on food, nutrients and feeding skills are a high priority.
Eating Tips For Healthy Toddler Growth
Introducing toddlers to a variety of nutritious foods during this stage establishes healthy eating habits, meets their nutrient needs, and helps them transition to regular eating routines.
Build a Better Plate with Beef:
Protein Benefits
Research shows that consuming high-quality protein may help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and preserve and build muscle.
Why Protein Quality Matters
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. When it comes to the type of protein we select on a day-to-day basis, are all sources of protein created equal? Not necessarily…
Anchor Your Plate with Protein
For growing athletes, protein is essential for building lean muscle and supporting growth—anchor your plate with a high-quality protein source and pair it with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes for balanced nutrition.
Powerful Protein
Achieving and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle starts with anchoring your diet in high-quality protein, which supports the strength and nutrition your body needs to feel your best.
Burger Breakdown
Before swapping ground turkey for ground beef, compare the facts: 93% lean ground beef is actually lower in calories, total fat, and cholesterol than 93% lean ground turkey, while both provide excellent protein and essential nutrients.
Finding Balance with Beef
Wellness is personal—whether you're making a major lifestyle overhaul or taking small steps toward healthier habits, beef provides the nutritious fuel to support your unique journey toward better health and wellbeing.
Ground Beef & Meat Substitutes
Wondering how 93% lean ground beef compares to meat substitutes? These nutrition facts show why beef delivers more protein and essential nutrients while keeping calories, fat, and sodium lower.
Build Strength Through a Healthy Diet
Anchoring your plate with protein is the first step in planning a nutrient-dense meal with strength in mind. The next step is to pair that protein with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Strength Manual: 7-Day Healthy Meal Plan
Beef protein is a powerful nutrient that strengthens and sustains the body, providing all essential amino acids needed for optimal health. Many Americans benefit from a moderate-to-higher-protein diet because of its positive role in weight management, healthy aging, and disease prevention.
A 7-day menu showcases how beef can be incorporated into a healthy eating pattern, distributing protein intake evenly throughout the day. This meal plan is based on a 2,000 calorie diet and provides general guidance for maintaining a healthy weight, though individual energy needs may vary.