Red meat, which includes beef, lamb and pork is a natural source of many essential nutrients, and has an important role to play in a healthy balanced diet.
No single food contains all the nutrients needed for good health, so the aim should be to include a wide variety of food in the diet.
Balance is the key.
Lean red meat can form part of a healthy balanced diet which contains plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods such as wholemeal bread and brown rice; some protein rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils; and some dairy foods.
Red meat is:
– Naturally rich in protein
– Low in sodium
– Provides a range of vitamins and minerals which contribute to good health and wellbeing, including iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and iodine
– Beef, in particular, is a valuable source of easily absorbed iron*
*Research has shown that women and young girls are most at risk of iron-deficiency
The government recommends that you can eat up to 70g (cooked weight) of red meat per day.
The majority of people in the UK are within this target.
Remember most red meat dishes can be frozen so this can help with storing leftovers and advance meal preparation, reducing food waste.
