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Lean Cuts Wallet Card

For a handy reference guide you can take with you when you shop or dine out, download a “29 Lean Cuts” Wallet Card.

Today’s Beef Choices

There are a variety of beef choices – grain-fed, grass-finished, certified organic, natural and branded beef products. While each kind of beef offers you something different, they all share the common denominators: tasty, nutritious and wholesome satisfaction. Learn more about how beef gets to your plate.

It’s Time to Rethink Protein’s Role in Bone Health

Nutrition is consistently identified as the cornerstone to optimal health. New research also suggests that protein may play a vital role in bone health. Osteoporosis is a known, common health condition and generally speaking, there is a widespread recognition of the importance of calcium and vitamin D for building bone. It has also been suggested that protein – particularly from animal sources – might be harmful to bone health. A recent research review sheds light on protein’s role in bone health, contradicting the myth that protein is “bad to the bone” and suggesting that dietary protein may instead be beneficial.

The research, published in the December 2009 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) details a systematic review including 61 studies from the past three decades that evaluated protein and bone health in healthy humans. The study indicates that despite common misperceptions, protein doesn’t negatively impact bone health. The same issue of AJCN also includes an accompanying editorial that echoes the importance of dietary intervention for bone health and suggests that encouraging older adults to add a small protein source to meals is safe advice that will not harm their bone health.

This sentiment is supported by two additional research studies. A research review from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that along with calcium and vitamin D, adequate intake of protein should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal and age-dependent osteoporosis. Separate data from a large population-based cohort of 631 premenopausal women suggests that higher protein intake does not have an adverse effect on bone.

This research continues to demonstrate that the foods you choose, combined with physical activity, can help you stay strong. The key to staying active and energetic is taking good care of yourself.

For more information, please refer to the fact sheets and studies below:

Power Up for the Good Life with Lean Beef
Lean Protein Can Help People Live Well and Age Vibrantly
29 Lean Cuts of Beef Wallet Card
Darling AL, Millward DJ, Torgerson DJ, Hewitt CE, Lanham-New SA. Dietary protein and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 90 (6) 1674-1692.
Bonjour. Dietary Protein: An Essential Nutrient for Bone Health. Journal of the American College of Nutrition.2005; 24 (6): 526-536S.
Kerstetter JE. Dietary protein and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 90 (6) 1451-1452.
Beasley JM, Ichikawa LE, Ange BA, LaCroix AZ, Ott SM, and Scholes D. Is protein intake associated with bone mineral density in young women? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published online ahead of print March 10, 2010.