BIG NEWS: 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Support Lean Beef in a Healthy Diet

The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reaffirm the role of lean beef in a healthy diet.

The guidelines mirror the 2010 edition on the USDA’s recommendations for lean beef, which includes lean beef as part of a healthy dietary pattern. In the past the Committee has contradicted itself on numerous occasions, excluding evidence from its review library and making recommendations without sufficient scientific evidence to support them. However, we appreciate that the final guidelines and recommendations by the Secretaries are based on the latest nutrition evidence. 

“Lean beef is a nutrient-dense protein available to consumers and the new dietary guidelines reaffirm the current research showing the positive effects of beef in a healthy diet,” ACA Director of Consumer Marketing Erin Beasley said. “We are pleased that consumers can continue to feel confident that choosing beef for their family will provide vitamins and minerals without sacrificing flavor in their meals. ”

First released in 1980, the Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat a healthy diet and focus on foods and beverages that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promote health and prevent disease. These guidelines are now reviewed, updated and published every five years. During the reviewing period, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association worked to ensure the appearance of lean beef on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The inclusion of lean beef will have a positive impact on our industry because the guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy affecting the design for school lunches and shapes the recommendations found on USDA’s MyPlate.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, Dr. Richard Thorpe, physician and Texas cattle producer, said consumers can feel confident about putting lean beef on their plate knowing the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans choose lean meat. Thirty-eight cuts of beef now meet government guidelines for lean, including some of America’s favorite cuts like sirloin steak and 95 percent lean ground beef.

“Over the last decade or so, a significant amount of research shows that many people can lose and maintain a healthy weight, support a healthy metabolism and age more vibrantly when they consume more high-quality protein, within calorie goals,” said Thorpe. “As a physician, I see an opportunity to improve the health of Americans in all age categories by choosing nutrient-rich protein foods, like lean beef, more often and by pairing them with more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.”

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