History- Beef is the
general term used to describe the meat from cattle, and includes
various cuts and parts of the animal including flank steaks, roasts,
tongue, ribs, and ground beef, which is generally from older steer past
reproductive age. While some cultures refuse to consume beef, others
have used it as a dietary staple for thousands of years.
Health Benefits-
Beef is a great source of protein required for a healthy body and
essential to growth and maintenance of muscles, bones and tissues. Beef
also contains zinc, which is required for immune system support and
proper healing of wounds as well as normal growth and development. The
selenium present in beef is shown to help prevent heart disease.
Selenium is also needed to help remove heavy metal toxicity from the
body. Beef also provides a source of niacin (vitamin B3) which is used
in energy production, as it is used by the body in breaking down fats,
carbohydrates and protein from foods. Beef also provides vitamin B6,
which aids in the body’s synthesis of proteins, and is used by the body
to make hemoglobin. In addition to riboflavin, which assists the body's
production of red blood cells and in metabolizing the carbohydrates in
food, beef also provides a source of vitamin B12 for nervous system
support, phosphorous, which is present in healthy teeth and bones, and
iron. Iron is required for normal cell development and it is involved
in transporting oxygen to the cells. Iron deficiency can lead to
fatigue and poor muscle performance.
Preparation- Beef
should always be handled carefully. Make sure to buy from a reputable
market or butcher, and get the best cut you can afford. It can be
frozen to extend the storage life, but freezing can affect the color,
flavor, and tenderness of the meat. Your best bet is to buy fresh cuts
a day or two before you plan to use it. While some prefer their meat
cooked well, and others prefer a pink color to remain, we’re always
warned that under-cooking our meat can lead to illness. Beef is usually
used as the main course, whether it is hamburgers or steak. There are
in infinite variety of ways to prepare and use beef.
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Beef