Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack, and about 600,000 people die from heart disease -- that’s one out of every four deaths. That makes heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.
There’s no doubt about it, heart disease is a scary thing, and when it affects you or a loved one, those numbers aren’t just statistics; they are your real life. Chances are you or someone you know has suffered from heart disease, and when you’re facing a health problem that could steal your life, a patient is willing to do anything to get better, including cleaning up the diet.
A Closer Look: Heart Association Endorses Heart-Healthy Beef
One of the first knee-jerk reactions a heart patient has is to cut red meat out of their diet because of its perception as being high in cholesterol and fat. But, before you give up steaks and burgers altogether, listen to what the American Heart Association (AHA) has to say about beef.
Recently, AHA certified three additional fresh beef cuts to add to its list of approved food items. The AHA stamp of approval is one of the most trusted nutrition icons on food packaging today, with many consumers checking to make sure that the AHA checkmark is on their food products before purchasing.
The six cuts that now meet AHA criteria for heart-healthy include:
- Sirloin tip steak (USDA Select)
- Bottom round steak (USDA Select
- Top sirloin stir-fry (USDA Select)
- Boneless top sirloin petite roast (USDA Select)
- Top sirloin filet (USDA Select)
- Top sirloin kabob (USDA Select)
According to the beef checkoff site, beefretail.org, “More than 83% of consumers have an added awareness of the AHA heart check mark. Nearly 75% of shoppers say the AHA stamp of approval improves the likelihood that they will purchase a product.”
Retailers can work with the beef checkoff program to participate in the AHA Food Certification Program by clicking here.
Having the AHA stamp of approval on beef is good news for producers, too, who already know and understand that our product plays an important role in a healthy diet.
The checkoff says there is more to come: “These six cuts are only the start, as we plan to continue adding extra-lean beef choices to the list of AHA-certified cuts as part of the beef checkoff program trade association certification. With many of America’s favorite beef cuts already meeting government guidelines for lean, the future is bright for building sales and raising awareness of the positive role that beef, America's favorite protein, plays in a healthful, delicious diet.”
What do you think of this AHA announcement? How do you incorporate these heart-healthy beef items in your daily diet? Be sure to share the positive word about heart healthy beef on your social media contacts today!
By the way, don't forget today is National Ag Day! How will you celebrate?
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