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NCBA tells dietary guidelines committee beef can be part of a healthy diet

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association recently told the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee that red meat, like beef, can be part of a healthy diet.

Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition research with NCBA, says there is overwhelming scientific evidence for this.  

“Beef has such great nutritional value- it’s a protein powerhouse,” she says. “We want to make sure the committee is aware of the evidence that’s available on beef and all of the benefits its protein and nutrients provide throughout the lifespan.”

The second public meeting for developing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines was last week in Washington D.C. The next meeting is October 24.

She tells Brownfield beef has an advantage over plant-based protein.

“No other foods provide that high-quality protein in fewer calories,” she says. “You’d have to eat two to three times the calories in plant foods to get the same protein that you get from beef.”

McNeill says there will be another opportunity for NCBA to provide oral comments. She also says NCBA will also provide written comments throughout the dietary guidelines process.

Audio: Shalene McNeill, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association