Beef Is a Superfood: Nutrient-Packed Power for Your Body

Beef is more than just a delicious centerpiece for your meals—it’s a nutritional powerhouse that earns its superfood status with an impressive array of essential nutrients. From zinc to protein, beef fuels your body with the building blocks for energy, strength, and vitality. At Tar Heel Beef Company, we’re passionate about bringing you premium, North Carolina-sourced beef to unlock these benefits. Whether you’re grilling a steak or savoring a hearty burger, here’s why beef deserves a more prominent place in your diet.

1. Zinc: Boosting Immunity and Hormones

Beef is a top source of zinc, delivering about 5.4 mg per 3-ounce serving—nearly half the daily recommendation for adults (11 mg for men, 8 mg for women). Zinc strengthens your immune system, helping fight off colds and infections. A 2022 study showed zinc enhances immune cell function, keeping you resilient. It also supports hormone balance, including reproductive health for both men and women, without needing supplements.

Why It Matters: Beef’s zinc is highly bioavailable, absorbed far better than from plant sources like grains or legumes, ensuring your body gets maximum benefits from every bite.

2. Iron: Energizing Your Body and Mind

Beef provides heme iron, the kind your body uses most efficiently. A 3-ounce serving offers 2.7 mg, meeting 15% of men’s and 33% of women’s daily needs. This iron builds hemoglobin, delivering oxygen to muscles and the brain for sustained energy and focus. A 2023 study linked adequate iron intake to improved cognitive performance and reduced fatigue.

Why It Matters: Unlike non-hepme iron in plants, beef’s heme iron absorbs 2-3 times better, making it a go-to for preventing tiredness and boosting productivity.

3. Vitamin B12: Powering Nerves and Blood Cells

Beef is a B12 champion, with a 3-ounce serving supplying 2.4 mcg—100% of your daily requirement. Vitamin B12 supports nerve health, red blood cell production, and DNA creation, keeping your body running smoothly. A 2021 study highlighted B12’s role in maintaining mental clarity and mood stability.

Why It Matters: Found almost exclusively in animal foods, B12 in beef ensures you get this critical nutrient naturally, supporting brain function and overall wellness.

4. Protein: Building Strength and Recovery

Beef delivers 23-25 grams of complete protein per 3-ounce serving, including all nine essential amino acids. This protein fuels muscle growth, repair, and recovery, perfect for active lifestyles. A 2024 study found that high-protein foods like beef improve muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults.

Why It Matters: Beef’s complete amino acid profile outperforms most plant proteins, making it an efficient choice for building and maintaining a strong, healthy body.

5. Selenium: Antioxidant Protection

Beef is rich in selenium, a potent antioxidant, providing about 20 mcg per 3-ounce serving (36% of the daily value). Selenium protects cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts immunity. A 2023 study suggested selenium enhances overall resilience, helping your body stay strong under stress.

Why It Matters: Beef’s selenium adds a protective layer to your diet, working alongside other nutrients to keep you healthy and vibrant.

6. Healthy Fats: Fueling Energy and Balance

Beef, especially lean cuts, offers healthy fats like monounsaturated fats and, in grass-fed varieties, omega-3s. These fats provide steady energy and support cell function. A 2021 review noted that balanced fat intake from foods like beef promotes overall health, aiding everything from heart function to nutrient absorption.

Why It Matters: Incorporating lean beef ensures you get essential fats without excess calories, fueling your body for daily demands.

Make Beef Your Superfood Star

Beef’s nutrient density—zinc, iron, B12, protein, selenium, and healthy fats—makes it a superfood that powers your body like few others. From boosting energy to strengthening muscles, beef delivers benefits that elevate your health and meals.  

www.tarheelbeef.com 

Robert Borbet