From our premium, exclusive range of Monte Beef, to our lamb shanks and ribs dishes, red meat is a key part of everything we do at Hunter & Barrel.
And at a time when more and more people are taking note of their diets, it’s important to know the role of red meat in a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Fortunately for Hunter & Barrel diners, there are plenty of red meat benefits. Here are the top four.
1. An excellent source of iron
The recommended daily intake for iron is 8mg for males and women aged 50+, and 18mg for women aged 19-50.
While the majority of Australian men meet those needs, almost a quarter of women (23 per cent) do not, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Of all the nutrients in meat, iron is one of the highest occurring. Beef offers roughly 3.5mg of iron per 100 grams, kangaroo contains 3.2mg, lamb offers 2.5mg, and pork supplies 0.8mg.
2. A good way to boost your zinc
A lesser-known benefit of red meat consumption is that it is a great source of zinc. Zinc plays a big role in supporting the immune system and healing, but your body does not store zinc, which means you need to consume it to maintain a healthy supply.
Red meat is one of the highest sources of zinc available, with beef supplying as much as 7mg per 100 grams – which is roughly half of the recommended daily intake.
3. A great source of B vitamins
B vitamins can be found in a huge variety of food sources, from grains and eggs to leafy greens and – you guessed it – red meat.
For some people, red meat is one of the most popular ways of including B vitamins into their diet. This includes thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), cobalamin (B12), riboflavin (B2), and more.
One 100 gram cut of steak (our smallest steaks are 200 grams), supplies as much as 29% of your daily recommended intake of B12, 31% of B6, 39% of B3, and more.
4. Red meat is low in carbs
For those following a Keto diet or other low-carb diets, red meat is a staple, as it is low in carbs and high in natural fats.
Low-carb dieters typically opt for meals that include plenty of meat and poultry, as well as eggs, cheese, avocados, and seafood. Meats and poultry are zero carb, but as they are high in other nutrients, can be a great option for maintaining a healthy balance.
These diets can be effective for some people, but always be sure to consult your GP before embarking on a new lifestyle change.
If you’re wondering ‘is red meat healthy?’ the answer is that yes – although there is such as thing as too much! It doesn’t take a high intake to get the benefits of meat, so you can easily try our vegetarian or seafood meals next time you visit to add a little balance to your diet.
Explore our menus to decide which of our steaks, schnitzels, ribs, sausages, or burgers you’ll try first.
