Absolutely. Beef is one of the most naturally nutrient-dense foods, providing high-quality protein along with more than 10 essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef delivers about half of the Daily Value for protein in approximately 170 calories, making it a nutritious option that can fit into a healthy, balanced diet.

Beef provides a unique combination of high-quality protein and essential nutrients in a relatively small serving. While many protein foods contain important nutrients, beef is an especially rich source of iron and zinc. For example, it would take about 8 ounces of cooked chicken breast to provide as much iron as just 3 ounces of beef, and nearly 20 ounces of chicken to match the zinc in one serving of beef.

Grass-finished beef is typically a little leaner than grain-finished beef, but both are naturally rich sources of more than 10 essential nutrients, including protein, iron, and zinc. Regardless of how they are finished, cattle spend most of their lives grazing on grass and forage before producing nutritious, high-quality beef.