In 2020, Americans spent $30.3 billion on beef. Beef is the best-selling meat in America and the fastest-growing in sales. And one of the most popular ways to enjoy beef is a good steak. And, as it happens, there are benefits of eating steak.
The Benefits of Eating Steak
Is steak good for you? While it’s important, as with many foods, to eat steak in moderation, there are many health benefits of eating steak. Listed below are just 4.
- Steak Is Rich in Protein
Healthline reports that men and women should take in 56 and 46 grams per day respectively. Since a steak contains 7 grams of protein per ounce, a 6-ounce steak will provide you with 42 grams of your daily allowance.
Protein is extremely important for building and repairing muscles, making hormones and enzymes, and providing energy. Protein is also vital for keeping skin, bones, hair, nails, and blood healthy.
By eating a steak every once in a while, you will be keeping numerous parts of your body in tip-top shape.
- Steak Contains Vitamins and Nutrients
Vitamins and nutrients are vital to your body. In concert, they help heal wounds and bones and keep your immune system in working order. It’s important to make sure you get the vitamins and nutrients you need in order for them to perform their functions.
Steak is rich in vitamin B12 (good heart health), vitamin D (strong bones), iron (healthy blood), and zinc (functioning immune system).
Iron, in particular, is an essential mineral, required for blood production. An iron deficiency can cause all kinds of problems, including headaches, fatigue, and chest pain.
Depending on your sex and age, you need anywhere from 8 to 18 mg of iron daily. A 6 oz skirt steak contains about 9 mg of iron, so it can provide your daily allowance with ease.
You can be assured that the steak you’re having for dinner will do your body good.
- Steak Is Good for Your Heart
You may have heard that beef isn’t good for your heart, but steak actually contains stearic acid, a fatty acid that can contribute to positive changes in your HDL cholesterol (the cholesterol that removes other cholesterol from your body).
While steak does contain fat, the majority of that fat is monosaturated and can be used by your body. Monosaturated fats are used to lower the cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk for strokes and heart disease, making steak a great choice for your heart.
- Steak Is Good for Your Mental Health
It may be hard to believe, but studies are showing that eating steak can lower the risk of depression and anxiety. This benefit stems from the amount of vitamin B12 in steak. Not only can eating steak help keep your body healthy, but it can do the same for your mind.
Make Steak a Part of Your Diet
One great way to make sure that you receive all the healthy benefits of eating steak is to get a steak subscription, wait for your steaks to arrive, and plan yourself a delicious dinner.
