You may ask 'Why is red meat so good for you?'
Beef and lamb have a number of vitamins and minerals that are important for our bodies to function at their best. Red meat is a very nutritious package, containing 'a lot in a little'. Here are the names of these healthy nutrients and what they do in the body:

1. IRON: Iron is a mineral important for healthy blood as it helps carry oxygen around the body and fights infections. It gives us energy to perform both at school and while playing sport.

Beef and lamb are excellent sources of iron that the body can absorb and use easily. People who don't eat enough iron rich foods such as red meat may feel tired all time, be grumpy, get infections that don't heal, feel the cold easily and may find it harder to learn.

Iron is especially important for:
" Infants, children and teenagers who are growing rapidly.
" Girls and women who have periods, due to regular monthly blood loss.
" Pregnant women to build the baby's iron stores.
" Athletes and people involved in a lot of sport.

Eating lean beef or lamb with lunch or dinner will boost the iron absorption from your vegetables. Tea and coffee reduces iron absorption so shouldn't be drunk at meal times.

2. PROTEIN: Protein is an essential nutrient for growth and maintenance of tissues that make up our bodies. Protein is a combination of amino acids, which are the building blocks for growth. You may not get enough protein if your daily intake of total food is reduced e.g. dieting. This could possibly stunt your growth while you are young.

Both animal (meat and dairy products) and plant (fruit and vegetables) foods provide protein. The protein in red meat is the best quality, containing a complete range of amino acids.

3. ZINC: Zinc is a mineral needed to fight infection and heal wounds. It is also involved in growth and development. Red meat, poultry and fish are good sources of zinc that is absorbed by the body easily.

4. VITAMIN B12: Vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal foods such as red meat (beef and lamb), chicken, fish, milk and yoghurt. It is especially important during growth spurts through the teenage years. It helps look after the brain, which is important for us to be able to learn. People on vegan diets (who don't eat any animal products) may not get enough vitamin B12 in their diet so may need supplements containing vitamin B12.

5. FAT: The body needs some fat for energy, healing, hormones and it provides important vitamins. Fat also has a role in the function of the brain and eyes. Red meat contains different types of fat. It is a source of omega 3 fat also found in oily fish and monounsaturated fat, usually associated with olive oil, which are good for us. When the visible fat is trimmed off meat, it is a low fat food.

Here are some healthy yummy meal ideas that will provide you with the goodness of lean beef and lamb:

" Mini pita pockets filled with cooked mince or chopped cold meat and salad.
" Filled Roll with lean beef and salad.
" Burger - lean mince patties served on soft roll with salad
" Lamb chops - grilled or barbecued.
" Kebabs

If you eat a wide variety of foods from the 4 food groups, you can obtain all the vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy.
1. Fruit and Vegetables
2. Breads and cereals
3. Lean red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans and nuts
4. Milk and dairy products (cheese and yoghurt)

For more information about eating a balanced diet and the benefits of eating red meat contact:
New Zealand Beef and Lamb Marketing Bureau
Freephone 0800 733 466
Or visit www.nzbeeflamb.co.nz

Check out the kid's corner page:
http://www.nzbeeflamb.co.nz/child.html

Back to Tech Frenz