Between summertime barbecue burgers, meatballs and spaghetti, and braised ribs throughout the winter, people in the United States eat a lot of red meat. Average American eats more than 100 pounds of red meat a year, and there is no sign of slowing down.
However, the things which you don’t know about red meat can actually hurt you. Therefore, it is time to start eating meat mindfully. Meat is not as bad for you as was once thought. But, on the other hand, there are some things you didn’t know about red meat, starting with the recommended daily serving size.
Serving size
The first thing you should know is that bigger is not always better. Three to four ounces of lean red meat is the recommended serving size, which is about the size of a deck of cards.
Worst type of red meat
Ham is one of the worst types of red meat for you. Whether glazed, country-style or baked, this variety of red meat is high in sodium and fat (1,270 milligrams of sodium, which is about half of your daily recommended amount, and 7.6 grams of fat, with 2.6 grams of saturated fat).
Healthy red meat
Organic, grass-fed lean beef, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acids, and vitamin E, is the healthiest type of red meat for you. It is healthier than conventional beef.
Heart health
Red meat does not increase your risk of coronary disease, which is contrary to popular belief. According to a recent study, people who eat 3 ounces a day of lean red meat do not have a higher risk for heart disease or diabetes.
Nutritional value
3 ounces of red meat (beef) provide you with half of your recommended daily protein intake (about 25 grams), and are also a great source of vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, and are a good source of iron.
Most popular cuts
More than 50 different cuts of meat can be found on a cow. However, top round steak, top sirloin steak, top loin steak, chuck pot roast, and t-bone steak are the top five most popular.
Most popular variety
The most popular red meat in the United States is beef. However, the most popular red meat in the rest of the world is the goat.
Healthiest cut
One of the healthiest cuts of red meat is pork tenderloin. It contains just 121 calories per serving and is rich in B vitamins and protein.
Red meat varieties
Many people tend to think of red meat as venison, pork, beef, but it also includes ostrich, bison, buffalo, lamb, and goat.
USDA labels
Meat is labeled as USDA Select, Choice, and Prime, which depends on characteristics, such as flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. Select beef is tender but less juicy than either Choice or Prime. You should Marinate these cuts before cooking to ensure a tender finished product.
Choice beef is great quality and is good for most methods of cooking, including roasting and braising. Prime beef comes from well-fed, young cows and has significant marbling that makes it great for broiling or grilling.