In 2019, more than 90% of Americans surveyed said they enjoyed a steak in the last year.
Not only is steak delicious, but it can also be very good for you. Beef is a key source of many nutrients that are essential for health and well-being. And, with 26 billion pounds of it available on the US market every year, steak is something we can all enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle.
You can increase longevity, build muscle mass, and boost mineral levels by eating steak. Whether you like it rare, medium, or well, the health benefits of steak are easily accessible, and of course, very tasty.
Our guide explains some of the impressive properties of steak, and why eating steak will make you fitter, stronger and healthier. So fire up the grill, and read on to find out more.
- Steak Is a Great Source of Protein
Steak is one of the best sources of protein, which is essential for every cell in the body.
Protein is a macro-nutrient, which means you need large amounts of it for proper body function and muscle growth. Building and maintaining lean muscle mass is important, especially as we age.
Older adults with lower levels of lean mass are at higher risk of premature death.
Proteins are often called the ‘building blocks’ of the human body. They work to maintain healthy hair, nails, skin, bones, blood, and cartilage. All types of steak contain high levels of this essential nutrient.
- Steak Contains the Master Antioxidant
Steak has very high levels of glutathione, also called the ‘master antioxidant.’ There are many health benefits to this amino acid, including:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Anti-aging properties
- Strengthened immune system
- Decreased risk of illness
- Improved insulin resistance
Glutathione is beneficial to many aspects of health. Eating steak cooked rare to medium is the best way to retain high levels of the master antioxidant.
We recommend cooking your steak in a cast iron pan for the perfect medium-rare finish. Follow the link to learn more about cooking steaks in cast iron.
- Steak Is Very Rich in Minerals
Steak also contains many different minerals which are essential for your day-to-day health. Steak is a nutrient-dense food which means it holds large amounts of macro-nutrients for its mass.
Steak is particularly high in iron (important for blood health), phosphorous (strengthens bones and teeth), and zinc (immune system and metabolic function).
One serving of steak can contain over 70% of your daily zinc requirements.
- Eating Steak Can Prevent Deficiencies
Because of its high micro-nutrient content, steak benefits your immune system and can help prevent many different deficiencies.
The high levels of iron in steak are very useful for preventing anemia, a condition in which the sufferer lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry blood around the body.
Research has shown that people who eat red meat regularly are much less likely to suffer from deficiencies such as anemia.
- Steak Has a High Vitamin Content
Another benefit of eating steak is its high levels of vitamins.
Red meat provides a high amount of bio-available vitamins in a single serving. The most significant vitamin found in steak is the B vitamin complex. B vitamins are important for good digestion, eyesight, brain function, and energy levels.
One portion of steak contains 82% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin that helps form blood cells, improves nerve function, and with DNA renewal.
- Steak Can Enhance Your Performance
Most people have heard of the performance-enhancing supplement creatine. But did you know that steak contains it, too?
Steak is probably the ultimate workout food; lean, full of protein and creatine, and high in natural fats. The creatine found in steak can help with:
- Increased performance during exercise
- Faster recovery times
- Increased muscle growth
- Improved endurance
Whatever your age, exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Cooking steak for dinner can help you perform better when working out.
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- Eating Steak May Prevent Disease
There is research to suggest that the amino acids that naturally occur in steak can prevent disease. Beef has high levels of L-carnitine, a macro-nutrient with links to:
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Decreased risk of diabetes
- Weight loss
- Better immune responses
Steak is one of the best natural sources of L-carnitine. One serving of any steak can contain 56-162 milligrams of L-carnitine, compared to just 3-5 milligrams in chicken breast.
- Steak Contains Amino Acids
As well as L-carnitine, steak contains many other amino acids, including glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, and glycine.
Amino acids help the body control and regulate muscle growth, break down food, and repair body tissue.
People with good levels of amino acids in their bodies will build and repair muscle tissues quickly. Steak contains essential amino acids which your body cannot produce on its own.
- Steak Contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA is a naturally occurring trans-fat.
Although trans-fats have a lot of bad press, naturally occurring types such as CLA work very differently from their synthetic counterparts. In fact, CLA has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss.
CLA is found in all kinds of steak, but high-quality grass-fed beef has the best percentage of CLA and other healthy fats.
The Health Benefits of Steak Explained
So that’s how eating steak can help you live a healthy lifestyle.
Beefsteak is a delicious and affordable source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Rich in both macro and micro-nutrients, the health benefits of steak are truly impressive.
Consider a tasty cut for dinner tonight and improve your performance, health, and body function.
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