New Dietary Recommendations Emphasize Balance and Flexibility
For those Canadians interested in healthy eating, adopting these new recommendations should not be difficult. In fact, a recent study of the food habits of Canadians indicates that on average, adults in this country are already achieving the suggested balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate.
For a healthy diet, most of the daily caloric intake should come from foods that are rich in essential nutrients in order to meet other nutritional guidelines for vitamins and minerals.
According to Pat Scarlett, National Nutrition Manager for the Beef Information Centre, “Lean beef fits well within these recommendation since one serving of lean beef provides 12 essential nutrients including high-quality protein, five B vitamins, iron and zinc.”
“As the richest food source of highly-absorbable iron, beef can be particularly beneficial for teenage girls, women and infants as they have the highest requirements for iron,” continues Scarlett. “In fact, iron deficiency continues to be prevalent among these groups.”
Making Lower Fat Choices
Lean beef, with less than 10 percent fat, is readily available in Canada. In fact, all cuts of beef, except short ribs, when trimmed of visible fat, qualify for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's Health Check™ program.
“Moreover, half the fat in beef is monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that helps reduce blood cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease,” explains Scarlett. “And while there is some saturated fat in beef, one third of it is stearic acid, a fatty acid that is considered neutral since it has no effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Certainly many Canadians need to reduce their intake of the type of fat (trans) that is commonly found in snack foods and baked goods. They can do that and still follow Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. As part of a healthy, balanced diet, the Guide recommends enjoying two to three servings of Meat and Alternatives each day.
