Is Steak Good for You?
Is steak good for you? Let’s find out.
Some people adore it, others despise it, and others believe it will kill them in their sleep. Our relationship with red meat has become more complicated than ever, and with new research and skeptics appearing every day, this isn’t going to change anytime soon.
But does it deserve to be looked at with suspicion and dread? Red meat, and steak in particular, is a staple of western diets and is a delicious meal enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.
Like all things, the nutritional science isn’t as skewed in one direction as some dogmatic people would have you believe, and the findings on the negative health implications of steak, or lack thereof, might surprise you. Please don’t throw away your grill as we dive deeper into why steak might be good for you.
Nutritional Benefits of Steak
Very high nutrient density.
Steak is a lot more nutrient-dense than other forms of meat. A standard 6 oz piece of T-bone steak provides a lot of Vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iron, and potassium, among other nutrients. Yet, it may have different nutrients than organ meats and shellfish. Some nutrients like iron and zinc are tough to get from other sources.
A good, healthy source of fat.
Steaks might be high in fat, but that doesn’t mean they’re not good for you. Artificial fats should be the enemy instead of natural sources like red meat.
Grass-fed beef, for example, has a potent supply of highly bioavailable forms of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. These sources help improve cardiovascular health markers while also favorably affecting body composition.
A great muscle-building food.
Everyone knows you need protein to build muscle, but the type of protein is also essential. Steaks are full of protein but rich in creatine and all the essential amino acids. Creatine helps augment athletic abilities and has been scientifically proven repeatedly to show improvements in muscle-building endeavors.
You don’t have to worry about dietary cholesterol.
Despite what the internet would have you believe, cholesterol found in meat and other food groups isn’t a problem. Most of the population will not experience any adverse effects from consuming foods like eggs, organic meats, and steaks. While steaks
Might have cholesterol, they are also very high in minerals like choline, whose deficiency has been noted as an increasing problem in the masses.
The steak will help you lose weight.
Subbing out your boneless skinless chicken breast with a nice piece of red meat could do your progress wonders. With high fat and protein content, steaks are very satiating and will keep you fuller for longer. Staying full during the day is the key to effortlessly sticking to a calorie deficit which is the primary driver of weight loss in our bodies.
Common Questions and Answers:
1. Is steak good for losing weight?
Despite what former health experts might claim, recent findings and research have shown that steak is a great food choice for weight loss. It keeps you satiated and provides the nutrients you need to stay active and healthy, making it just as good as chicken as a protein source. Lean cuts of beef barely exceed the saturated fat content found in chickens.
2. What does steak do to your body?
A lot of good things! For one thing, the heme iron readily found in red meat is absorbed very quickly by your body.
Red meat like steak provides ample vitamin B12, essential in creating DNA and keeping your red blood cells and nerves healthy. Steaks also contain zinc, which keeps the immune system working correctly.
3. Is it OK to eat steak once a week?
Yes, it is. Eating steak once or even a couple of times a week is a great way to get essential nutrients like iron which help prevent conditions like anemia. Fitting red meat on occasion into a healthy diet should be a non-issue.
4. What is the healthiest steak?
It would help if you generally went for beef over 93% lean cuts. Opt for cuts of steak like flank, tenderloin, sirloin, filet mignon, or top round roast.
Look at meat grades and select cuts that are labeled “select.” These are generally the healthiest choices. Avoid cuts of steak that have an excessively marbled look to them.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-bad-foods-that- are-good-for-weight-loss
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-ab out-red-meat
https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/the-healthiest-cuts-of- red-meat