An American dietitian decided to eat lean ground beef every day for a week to see how it would affect her body. Along the way, she experienced both benefits and drawbacks from making beef a daily part of her diet, reports Prevention.
She felt fuller for longer
The high protein content helped her stay full after meals and kept her energy levels steady throughout the day.
Ground beef was easy to cook with
She prepared meals like chili, taco salad, and meat sauce because ground beef works well in many quick dishes.
It was more affordable than other proteins
According to the dietitian, ground beef was a cheaper option compared to several other protein sources.
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Meals started to feel heavier
After a few days, she noticed that meals with beef felt heavier than dishes made with fish or plant based foods.
She missed more variety in her diet
By thed of the week, she wanted to eat other protein sources again, including fish, beans, and lentils.
She did not notice major health problems
The dietitian did not experience any obvious negative health effects during the week she ate ground beef every day.
Portion sizes made a difference
She kept her portions moderate at around 85 to 115 grams and paired the meat with vegetables and whole grains.
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Lean ground beef contains plenty of protein
According to the USDA, 100 grams of lean ground beef contains 22.6 grams of protein.
Beef may help improve iron levels
Ground beef contains heme iron, which the body absorbs more easily than plant based iron.
Lean beef can fit into a healthy diet
One study found that lean beef can be part of a Mediterranean style diet without necessarily harming heart health.
Protein may help maintain muscle mass
Research suggests that the protein and nutrients in beef may support muscle mass and physical function as people age.
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Fat content still matters
Ground beef with a higher fat percentage can increase saturated fat intake, which may negatively affect cholesterol levels.
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