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12 mins
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Health and Nutrition
Red meat, which includes beef, lamb and pork is a natural source of many essential nutrients, and has an important role to play in a healthy balanced diet.
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Balanced Diet
No single food contains all the nutrients needed for good health, so the aim should be to include a wide variety of food in the diet.
Balance is the key.
Lean red meat can form part of a healthy balanced diet which contains plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods such as wholemeal bread and brown rice; some protein rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils; and some dairy foods.
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Nutrients
Red meat is:
– Naturally rich in protein
– Low in sodium
– Provides a range of vitamins and minerals which contribute to good health and wellbeing, including iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and iodine
– Beef, in particular, is a valuable source of easily absorbed iron*
*Research has shown that women and young girls are most at risk of iron-deficiency
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Portion Sizes
The government recommends that you can eat up to 70g (cooked weight) of red meat per day.
The majority of people in the UK are within this target.
Remember most red meat dishes can be frozen so this can help with storing leftovers and advance meal preparation, reducing food waste.
Red Meat: Understanding The Facts
The key message is balance. Different food groups work best when consumed together in moderation as part of a balance plate approach. Beef, pork and lamb can play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet.
We have included comprehensive guidance to support positive conversations by using EU nutrition and health claims regulations.
The key facts are:
- Protein helps the maintenance of normal bones and growth in muscle mass.
- Red meat is naturally rich in protein, low in salt and provides a range of vitamins and minerals that contribute to good health, including iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B12 and niacin.
- Potassium contributes to normal muscle and nerve function and helps support normal blood pressure.
- B vitamins can help with energy production in the body. They also help with the normal function of the immune system, psychological function and the reductions of tiredness.
- Zinc helps with fertility and reproduction.
- Red meat is low in salt (sodium). Reducing consumption of sodium supports normal blood pressure.
- Our bodies absorb iron and zinc from meat more readily than they can from plants.