Beef, Veal, and Nutrition

Beef and veal are good sources of essential B-vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron. Iron and zinc are important for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin (proteins that carry oxygen to red blood cells and muscle cells), cellular regeneration processes, and bone growth. Beef is high in vitamin B₆, which is used to make red and white blood cells and regulate blood sugar. Beef is also high in vitamin B₁₂, which is necessary for nervous-system function and healthy bones. There are approximately 100 milligrams of cholesterol in every 115 grams (4 ounces) of beef. About half of the fatty acids contained in beef are monounsaturated, and one-third of the remaining saturated fat is stearic acid, which has not been found to increase serum cholesterol levels.