2015 Dietary Guidelines Released

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines have been released and ranchers will be happy to learn that the role of lean beef in a healthy diet has been reaffirmed.Physician and cattle producer Dr. Richard Thorpe says
Thorpe: “"I was really glad to see the nutritional guidelines recognize all the strong science that supports the role that beef plays in a healthy diet. There have been tremendous amounts of research and scientific evidence on the value and nutrition of beef and today not only do you get to enjoy the great taste of beef but you also can be very confident that it's very healthy for you."
Other recommendations include following a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan. Focus on variety, nutrient dense foods and amount. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduced sodium intake. Beef is one of the most naturally nutrient-rich foods — as Thorpe continues
Thorpe: ‘Number one beef is very high in zinc and zinc is used in the immune system to fight off sickness and overcome illness. It's also very high in iron. Your body needs iron to make red blood cells to keep you from being anemic. Then we have the B complex vitamins. The B vitamins are used for metabolism and creation of energy. And I think the thing beef is most known for is protein and protein is the building block of all cells in the body from your muscles to your bones."