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Nutrition

Nutrition 

You might have questions about the nutritional content of the beef you eat, along with concerns about inputs, like hormones, in the food supply. Cattle producers take pride in the animals in their care, and are constantly thinking about the health of consumers.


Wondering About Hormones in Beef?

What Are Hormones and Why Are They Used in Beef Production?


Wondering About Nutrition and Beef?

Beef’s Role in a Healthy Diet


Do plants and animals naturally produce hormones? 

Yes, even the human body produces hormones naturally, no matter what you eat. 

Merriam Webster. Hormone definition 

 

What are hormone implants? 

Hormone implants are small, slow release pellets placed under the skin in an animal’s ear to enhance production of natural hormones. Using hormone implants directs growth towards muscle and away from fat, which boosts growth rate and means less feed is needed for the animal to gain weight. 

Canada Beef, Inc. “Understanding hormone use in beef.” 


Is the use of hormone implants safe and regulated in Canada? 

Yes, the use of hormone implants is safe and regulated in Canada. 

Health Canada. “Questions and answers – hormonal growth promoters” 

Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. “Procedures for recommending maximum residue limits – residues of veterinary drugs in food" 


How does a serving of cooked beef contribute to a healthy, balanced diet? 

A 75g serving of cooked beef provides 26g of protein, 25mg of iron, 1.8µg of vitamin B12, and 6.5mg of zinc. 

Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, version 2015 


Does eating beef cause heart disease? 

Red meat does not significantly increase cardiovascular risk when consumed in recommended amounts. About half of the fat found in beef is the same type of monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. A European study found no association between unprocessed red meat and any cause of death, including heart disease or cancer. 

Bronzato et al. 2017. A contemporary review of the relationship between red meat consumption and cardiovascular risk. Int. J. Prev. Med. 8:40 

Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, version 2015 


How does beef compare to other sources of protein? 

A 75g serving of cooked beef contains 26mg of protein and 184 calories. To get the same amount of protein from other sources, you would need to eat 1 ¾ servings of tofu (260 calories), 2 ⅓ servings of black beans (391 calories), or 3 ⅖ servings of almonds (715 calories).

Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, version 2015