Are you a fan of ground beef but worried about its impact on your health?
You’re not alone. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which type of ground beef is the healthiest choice.
Enter 96 lean ground beef – a cut that’s been certified by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy option.
But what exactly makes this type of ground beef so healthy? And is it really worth the extra cost?
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of 96 lean ground beef and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Is 96 Lean Ground Beef Healthy?
The short answer is yes, 96 lean ground beef is a healthy option.
First and foremost, it’s an excellent source of protein, which is essential for repairing muscles and tissue. A serving of 96 lean ground beef contains 21 grams of protein, which is 43 percent of your daily recommended intake.
But that’s not all. This type of ground beef is also low in fat, with only 4 grams per serving. Of those 4 grams, only 2 grams are saturated fat – well below the recommended daily limit.
In fact, the American Heart Association has certified 96 lean ground beef as a heart-healthy option, thanks to its low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. This means that you can feel good about incorporating this type of ground beef into your diet as part of an overall healthy eating pattern.
What Is 96 Lean Ground Beef?
96 lean ground beef is a type of ground beef that is made from beef that has been trimmed of excess fat, leaving only 4% fat content. This makes it an extremely lean option compared to other types of ground beef.
Despite its low fat content, 96 lean ground beef is still full of flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in dishes like tacos, meatloaf, chili, lasagna, or a classic spaghetti meat sauce.
One brand of 96 lean ground beef, Laura’s Lean, is sourced from cattle that never receive antibiotics or added hormones. This ensures that the beef is of high quality and free from harmful additives. In addition, Laura’s Lean 96% Lean Ground Beef is certified Heart-Healthy by the American Heart Association, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste.
Nutritional Benefits Of 96 Lean Ground Beef
Aside from being a great source of protein and low in fat, 96 lean ground beef also contains essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of iron, which is important for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and zinc, which helps the immune system function properly.
Additionally, 96 lean ground beef is low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It contains 0 grams of total carbs and 0 grams of net carbs per serving, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
It’s important to note that not all ground beef is created equal. Choosing leaner cuts like 96 lean ground beef can help reduce your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease. When purchasing ground beef, look for the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark on packaging to ensure that it meets their certification requirements for heart-healthy foods.
How 96 Lean Ground Beef Compares To Other Types Of Ground Beef
When it comes to comparing 96 lean ground beef to other types of ground beef, it’s important to consider the fat content. As mentioned earlier, regular ground beef can contain up to 30 percent fat, while lean ground beef has a maximum of 17 percent fat and medium ground beef has no more than 23 percent fat.
Compared to these options, 96 lean ground beef is the leanest option available. It contains only 4 percent fat, which is significantly less than even lean ground beef. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of protein without worrying about consuming excess fat.
It’s also worth noting that while some may be concerned about the cholesterol content in beef, 96 lean ground beef is a good option in this regard as well. As mentioned earlier, cholesterol is present in both the muscle tissue and fat of beef. However, because 96 lean ground beef has such a low fat content, it also has a lower cholesterol content compared to other types of ground beef.
The American Heart Association’s Certification
The American Heart Association (AHA) has a certification program called the Heart-Check mark, which helps consumers make informed choices about the foods they purchase. The program evaluates foods against nutrition requirements based on sound science regarding healthy dietary recommendations, food categories, specific product ingredients, and nutrient values.
Extra Lean Ground Beef (ground beef that is at least 96% lean, 4% fat) has been certified by the AHA to display its recognized and respected Heart-Check mark. This means that retailers can now identify eight different extra lean beef items as options for part of an overall healthy diet to their shoppers using one of the most trusted nutrition icons on food packaging today.
The extra lean beef cuts that meet the AHA’s requirements for heart-healthy foods as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern, and are certified to display the Heart-Check mark, include:
Before putting its Heart-Check mark on any food, the AHA evaluates it against nutrition requirements based on sound science regarding healthy dietary recommendations, food categories, specific product ingredients and nutrient values. Multiple retailers with hundreds of stores across the U.S. currently display the Heart-Check mark on certified beef items in the meat case.
Retailers and processors can work with the Beef Checkoff Program to receive a discount on the certification fee for the American Heart Association Food Certification Program. Resources such as on-pack labels, posters, and recipes are available for retailers to use in store and in shopper communications to promote the certified beef cuts.
Cost Comparison: Is It Worth The Extra Expense?
While 96 lean ground beef may be a healthy option, it does come with a higher price tag. As mentioned earlier, extra-lean ground beef costs an average of about $6 per pound in the continental USA, which is $2 (50%) more per pound than regular ground beef. Beef that is even leaner, 10% to 5% fat, averages between $6.50 and $7 per pound. At $3 (75%) more per pound, 95/5 ground beef is the leanest you can buy.
So, is it worth the extra expense? It depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking to reduce your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, then investing in 96 lean ground beef may be worth it for you. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have specific dietary restrictions, regular ground beef may be a more affordable option.
It’s important to note that while extra-lean ground beef may be more expensive, it can also be more versatile in cooking. With less fat content, it can be used in a variety of dishes without compromising flavor or texture. Plus, you may end up using less of it due to its higher protein content.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase extra-lean ground beef comes down to personal preference and budget. If you’re looking for a healthy option with less saturated fat and cholesterol, it may be worth the extra expense. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have specific dietary restrictions, regular ground beef can still be a nutritious and delicious option.
How To Incorporate 96 Lean Ground Beef Into Your Diet
If you’re looking to add 96 lean ground beef into your diet, there are plenty of delicious and healthy ways to do so. Here are a few ideas:
1. Swap out regular ground beef for 96 lean ground beef in your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making chili, meatballs, or spaghetti sauce, using lean ground beef will cut down on the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.
2. Use 96 lean ground beef in tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. You can season the beef with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a flavorful and healthy meal.
3. Make a healthy burger by using 96 lean ground beef and topping it with plenty of veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Skip the cheese and mayo to keep the calorie count low.
4. Add 96 lean ground beef to stir-fries, soups, and stews for a protein boost. You can also mix it with vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
5. Try making a healthy meatloaf or meatballs by using 96 lean ground beef and adding in plenty of veggies like grated zucchini or carrots. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of white bread for added fiber.