Red meat in early childhood
Iron is essential for growing bodies, so introducing iron-rich foods to children from as young as six months of age is recommended. It is at that the age that their iron requirements needs can no longer be met by breast milk or formula alone.
Because the iron in red meat is so well absorbed by the body, it’s a great way for babies and toddlers to get enough iron for healthy growth and development. Red meat also contains zinc – another important nutrient for growing bodies.
Explore iron-rich meals for the whole family.
Meeting the iron needs of young women with red meat
Women of childbearing age require twice the amount of iron that men do, but their smaller appetites can make it challenging to meet those needs. Low iron stores can adversely affect mental and physical wellbeing, so eating red meat three to four times a week in healthy, balanced meals is an easy way for women to get enough iron, along with another important nutrient – zinc.
Tips for choosing iron-rich foods
Preventing muscle loss in the over-65s with red meat
If you’re over 65, you will need to consume more protein to prevent muscle loss. In combination with strength exercise, protein helps build and repair muscle, and is important for maintaining an active and ultimately independent lifestyle as we age.
With 32g of protein per 100g serving of cooked meat, red meat is an easy way to achieve this recommendation along with 11 other essential nutrients recommended for good health, even if your appetite naturally decreases as you get older and you are enjoying that 100g of meat in meals over a few days.
Guide to protein-rich meals for muscle health
Managing weight with nutrient-rich red meat
Getting enough of the essential nutrients recommended for good health can be a challenge if you’re consciously trying to manage your wight by eating less. That’s where nutrient-rich foods like lean red meat play an important role. Red meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein and contains relatively low levels of saturated fat.
Tips for planning balanced meals
Red meat for muscle health in athletes
Nutrient-rich foods such as red meat play an important role in ensuring a nutritionally appropriate diet for athletes. Red meat’s high-quality protein helps build and repair muscle after exercise, while also helping to fulfil the additional iron requirements of female athletes.
Guide to protein-rich meals for muscle health
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