Nutrition
We all know beef and lamb tastes great but did you know its naturally rich in protein and nutrients. Health professionals talk about the importance of a varied and balanced diet, but we can often forget what this actually means. To help, we’ve created this page to show you the positive contribution red meat makes towards a healthy balanced diet.
Beef and lamb Nutrition
The naturally occurring nutrients in beef and lamb provide a range of benefits which helps our bodies to function normally. Check out how they do this below:
Beef Nutrition
Beef is naturally rich in protein
Beef is a source of iron which helps the immune system to work
Beef is a source of iron which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
Beef provides eight essential vitamins and minerals* that support good health and well-being
*Niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, riboflavin, plus iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus.
Lamb Nutrition
Lamb is naturally rich in protein
Lamb provides four essential vitamins* that help reduce tiredness and fatigue
*Niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, and pantothenic acid.
Lamb provides seven vitamins and minerals* that support good health and well-being
*niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and zinc and a source of potassium, phosphorus and pantothenic acid.
Lamb is a source of three essential vitamins and mineral * which help the immune system to work
*Vitamins B6 and B12 and zinc.
Life Stages
Throughout life, our bodies need different levels of nutrients at different times. Beef and lamb can help improve the quality of your diet from infancy through to old age. Find out more below:
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Iodine contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and aids the development of normal cognitive (mental) function
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, important for energy in a growing body.
Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis so is helpful for growth and development
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. At this age, young children are learning to walk, talk and eat so normal bones and teeth are important for development
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function
Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system, important for keeping colds at bay when children go to school
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation which is important for normal delivery of oxygen around a growing, active body
Meat protein has a high biological value and is easily assimilated by the body into tissues such as muscles
Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism so helps energy to be extracted from foods
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of healthy hair and is important for teens concerned about their appearance
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance, important when exams loom
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin
Iron contributes to normal cognitive function and reduces fatigue. Significant numbers if teenagers, particularly girls, have inadequate iron intakes
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of healthy hair and is involved in many different biological processes
Niacin contributes to normal physiological function and has a positive influence on mood and mental performance
Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity
Selenium contributes to normal reproductive health. Most adults have low intakes of selenium
Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise, so is a natural support for physical activity
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism which may be important in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease
Red meat is high in protein yet relatively low in calories and saturated fat. Research shows that high protein diets help support weight control
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, particularly when combined with a good calcium intake
Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, i.e. it is a powerful antioxidant
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Red meat contributes some omega-3s which can help alleviate pain and symptoms of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. Research shows that low vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of falls
As muscles decline in old age (often called sarcopenia), a good quality source of protein can help maintain muscle strength
Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and so helps slow the effects of ageing
Pregnancy
Much like at different life stages, expectant and new mums have a range of nutritional demands which beef and lamb can help to fulfil. Find out more below:
Body Area
Nutrient
What it does
Red meat contributes some omega-3s and is useful when oily fish(the best source) isn't an option
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. This is helpful as teeth are weaker during pregnancy
Iron has a role in the process of cell division and contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
Iodine is important in pregnancy for normal mental development of the foetus
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
