Heart Healthy Lean Longhorn Beef
Thanks to Texas Longhorn beef, today's health-conscious consumer doesn't have to avoid tender juicy steaks. Not only is Longhorn beef leaner than that of other breeds, it is also lower in saturated fats. The flavorful Longhorn beef has less cholesterol and calories than chicken.
Definitely good news for a healthy lifestyle!
Including lean beef in a heart-healthy diet can positively impact blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that eating lean beef can help increase 'good' cholesterol and reduce 'bad' cholesterol in people with elevated cholesterol levels.
"Lean beef is good for you - and the key word is lean. A heart patient can eat steak every meal if it is in the right proportions. Longhorn meat on the average, contains 10 percent less saturated fat than that of other cattle. That puts lean Longhorn beef on par with skinned boneless white meat of chicken and that fact may come as a surprise to many dietitians."
-Dr. Joseph Graham, Cardiovascular Surgeon at St. John's Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri, and a Longhorn breeder himself.
"Red meat is really a treasure trove of nutrients, including protein, iron, vitamin B12, and more. One of the healthiest red meats is Longhorn beef, which is extremely low in fat."
-Cliff Sheats, certified clinical nutritionist, and nationally recognized author of Lean Bodies, Total Fitness.
Beef is the number one source of protein, zinc and Vitamin B12, and the third best source of iron in the food supply. You'd have to eat almost 12 cans of tuna to get the equivalent amount of zinc in one 3 oz. serving of beef. It takes seven chicken breasts to equal the Vitamin B12 in one 3 oz. serving of beef. Beef is also a good source of selenium, providing 20-30% of the recommended daily allowance for men and women.
Recent research has found that selenium may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer (such as prostate) as well as enhance the body's ability to fight infections.
information courtesy of
"Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America"
Cooking Tips
Texas Longhorn beef cooks quickly due to its low fat content. Fat acts as an insulator so the heat must penetrate the fat before it begins to cook the meat. Therefore, the less fat, the quicker the cooking time. Be careful not to overcook it.
-There is not much shrinkage in Longhorn beef. The cooked size is close to the same size you started with.
-It is never necessary to cook Longhorn beef in additional fat. It contains just enough natural fat to allow it to cook to perfection.
-To broil, position the meat 3-4 inches from the heat. Watch it closely while cooking to achieve desired doneness. Broiling slightly frozen steaks keeps them juicier.
-A medium-hot fire works best in grilling. Add damp mesquite or cherry wood chips to the fire for an extra flavor. Remember, the meat cooks quickly so watch it carefully.
- Longhorn beef roasts should be cooked at 275 degrees F.
-A meat thermometer is recommended to monitor desired doneness. Ground beef should have an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.