Steak is a classic meal in the British diet, a beloved staple of backyard barbeques and fine dining restaurants alike.
Yet an important question hangs over this popular dish – is steak healthy?
While your doctor probably wouldn’t recommend eating steak for every meal (the Department of Health and Social Care advises no more than 70g of red meat per day), there certainly are health benefits of steak.
Here are the key ways steak can offer benefits to your health and wellbeing.
Steak is a great source of iron
Steak – and red meat in general – is a great source of iron. Importantly, it is a good source of haem iron, which means that it is more efficiently absorbed by the body than non-haem iron (which can be found in cereals, vegetables, and other food sources).
Iron is important for a number of reasons in the body, primarily in helping to transport oxygen around the body.
Studies show that meat and meat products account for just over a fifth (21%) of iron intake in adults in the UK, suggesting that steak and other meats are an important part of our diet.
Steak is very high in protein
As well as iron, steak is also one of the best sources of protein available. Protein is an essential nutrient for humans of all ages, as it’s used to repair cells and make new cells. That’s why it’s especially important for growing children and teens, as well as pregnant women.
Red meat contains an average of 20-24 grams of protein per 100 grams, which makes steak a great source of this vital nutrient.
Grass-fed steak is lower in fat content
It’s important to remember that not all steak is the same, with some cuts being naturally fattier or leaner than others.
As well as considering the cut of beef, also look at how it was raised. Grass-fed beef, for example, has a healthier fat profile, and has been found to have more vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.
So if you’re craving the rich, juicy tenderness of a premium steak but want to do everything you can to ensure it’s as healthy as possible, opt for a Meat & Wine Co grass-fed variety.
Steak is unprocessed meat
Britons are renowned meat lovers, eating approximately 86.3 grams on average each per day, with roughly a quarter of that (23.7g) being red meat, and just under a third (26.8g) being processed meat.
The trouble is, much of the concern over meat being bad for your health is related more to processed meats than any other.
Processed meat tends to have slightly more calories and fat, a lot more salt (as much as four times), and more preservatives than unprocessed meat. Processed cuts also have less protein.
By being unprocessed, steak can therefore offer a healthier choice than processed meats.
Enjoy steak without the guilt with Meat & Wine Co
Steak offers a number of excellent health benefits, from added protein to extra bio-available iron for your body.
But it’s your taste buds that truly benefit the most. Our premium steak is carefully sourced, prepared, and cooked to perfection by our expert chefs.
Make your booking with London’s newest steakhouse in Mayfair to treat yourself, your health, and your tastebuds to an exceptional steak.
