Ground beef (20% fat)

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Beef FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is beef halal?
• Is beef gluten free?
• Is beef kosher?
• Is ground beef low FODMAP?
• Is ground beef high in carbs?
• Is ground beef high in fat?
• Is ground beef high in fiber?
• Is ground beef high in saturated fat?
• Is ground beef high in sodium?
• Is ground beef a good source of iron?
• Is ground beef high in histamine?
• Does beef contain protein?
• Is ground beef paleo?
• Does beef contain cholesterol?
• Does beef contain sugar?
• Does beef contain magnesium?
• Does beef contain omega-3?
• Does beef contain potassium?
• Does beef contain vitamin D?
• Does beef contain zinc?
• Is beef high in omega-6?
• Does beef contain calcium?
• Does beef contain Vitamin C?
• Does beef contain lactose?
• Is beef high in uric acid?
• Is beef high in arginine?
• Is beef high in phosphorus?
• Is beef high in purines?
• Does beef boost testosterone?
• Does beef contain estrogen?
• Does beef increase libido?
• Is beef good for fertility?
• Is beef keto?
• Is beef vegan?
• Is beef vegetarian?
• Can you eat beef on the Mediterranean diet?
• What are some good alternatives to ground beef?
• Does beef contain trans fat?

Is beef halal?

Beef is considered halal if it is slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws. These laws dictate that the animal must be killed by a Muslim who pronounces the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, and the animal’s blood must be entirely drained from its body. Not all ground beef (20% fat) is halal – it depends on the slaughter and processing methods used. Consumers can look for halal labels on packaging to ensure the meat is certified halal.

Is beef gluten free?

Yes, ground beef (20% fat) is naturally gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and doesn’t naturally appear in beef. However, be wary of processed or prepared products like meatballs or patties that could have added gluten in the form of breadcrumbs or fillers.

Is beef kosher?

Beef can be kosher if it follows Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut. These laws stipulate that the animal should be slaughtered under the supervision of a Rabbi, the blood must be entirely drained and the meat must not be consumed with dairy. As with halal beef, consumers should look for a kosher certification on the packaging of the ground beef (20% fat) to ensure it meets these standards.

Is ground beef low FODMAP?

Yes, plain ground beef (20% fat) is low in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols), which are certain carbohydrates that can cause digestive discomfort in some people. However, potential high FODMAP ingredients like onions, garlic, or certain sauces are often added to ground beef in recipes, so it’s important to consider all ingredients used in the preparation of your meals.

Is ground beef high in carbs?

No, ground beef does not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates. A 3-ounce serving of 20% fat ground beef contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, which is far less than 1% of the recommended daily value of about 300 grams of carbohydrates.

Is ground beef high in fat?

Yes, ground beef, particularly the 20% fat variant, is high in fat. A 3-ounce serving contains around 15 grams of fat, which is approximately 23% of the daily recommended value for fats (based on a 2000 calorie diet). Your percentage could be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Is ground beef high in fiber?

No, ground beef does not contain fiber. It’s primarily a source of protein and fat, without any dietary fiber.

Is ground beef high in saturated fat?

Yes, ground beef is relatively high in saturated fat. In a 3-ounce portion of 20% fat ground beef, there are about 5.7 grams of saturated fat. This constitutes roughly 28% of the recommended daily value for saturated fat, which is 20 grams per day on a 2,000 calorie diet. Reducing your intake of saturated fats can improve heart health, so consider leaner alternatives if you’re cutting down on saturated fats.

Is ground beef high in sodium?

No, ground beef, particularly the 20% fat variety, is not typically high in sodium. It contains around 75 mg of sodium per 100g serving. The recommended daily value of sodium is less than 2,300 mg for most adults which makes ground beef relatively low in sodium.

Is ground beef a good source of iron?

Yes, ground beef is an excellent source of iron. A 100g serving of 20% fat ground beef has about 2.1 mg of iron. Adult males require about 8mg per day and adult females need about 18mg daily, so ground beef can significantly contribute to your daily iron intake.

Is ground beef high in histamine?

Ground beef does contain histamine, especially if it isn’t consumed shortly after being ground. Histamine levels can rise in ground beef due to bacterial activity. Exact levels can vary depending on freshness and handling, but histamine intolerance individuals should exercise caution.

Does beef contain protein?

Yes, beef is rich in protein. A 100g serving of ground beef with 20% fat provides approximately 20g of protein. The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), a measure of protein quality taking into account digestibility and essential amino acid provision, is 0.92 out of 1.00 for beef. Considering the recommended daily intake of protein for an average adult is 50g, ground beef is a substantial source of this nutrient.

Is ground beef paleo?

Yes, ground beef (20% fat) is considered paleo. The paleo diet emphasizes foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would likely have consumed, including lean meats. It’s important to note that those following a strict paleo diet often opt for grass-fed or organic beef to avoid added hormones and antibiotics.

Does beef contain cholesterol?

Yes, ground beef does contain cholesterol. Approximately 3 ounces (85 grams) of 20% fat ground beef contains about 77 milligrams of cholesterol. The recommended daily intake for cholesterol is less than 300 milligrams for healthy adults.

Does beef contain sugar?

No, ground beef does not naturally contain sugar, as it is an animal product. However, it’s possible for sugar to be added in certain preparations or processed products, so it’s always wise to check ingredient lists if you’re monitoring your sugar intake.

Does beef contain magnesium?

Yes, ground beef does contain magnesium, although in small quantities. A 3-ounce serving of cooked, 20% fat ground beef contains approximately 20 milligrams of magnesium. The recommended daily intake for magnesium varies by age and sex, but for adults it ranges from 310-420 milligrams. Ground beef is therefore not a significant source of magnesium.

Does beef contain omega-3?

Yes, ground beef does contain omega-3 fatty acids, but the amount can vary depending on the diet of the cow it came from. On average, a 3-ounce serving of beef (20% fat) might provide about 40-80 milligrams of omega-3s. This is a minimal amount when compared to the recommended daily intake for adults which is 1,100 mg for women and 1,600 mg for men.

Does beef contain potassium?

Yes, ground beef is a modest source of potassium. A 3-ounce serving of ground beef (20% fat) contains approximately 200-250 milligrams of potassium. For reference, the recommended daily intake for potassium for the average adult is 4,700 milligrams.

Does beef contain vitamin D?

Ground beef does contain some vitamin D, but not a significant amount. A 3-ounce serving would provide about 12 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D, which is about 3% of the recommended daily value of 400 IUs for most adults.

Does beef contain zinc?

Yes, ground beef is a good source of zinc. A 3-ounce serving of ground beef (20% fat) provides about 5-6 milligrams of zinc, which is approximately 45-55% of the recommended daily intake for adults, which is 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women.

Is beef high in omega-6?

Ground beef (20% fat) contains an estimated 0.30 grams of omega-6 per 100 grams. In comparison to the recommended daily intake of 17g for men and 12g for women, beef is not considered a high source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Does beef contain calcium?

Yes, ground beef does contain calcium, but not a significant amount. A 100g serving of ground beef will typically provide about 11mg of calcium. This is small when compared to the recommended daily intake of 1000mg for adults.

Does beef contain Vitamin C?

No, ground beef does not contain any significant amount of Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables like oranges and bell peppers are your best sources of this nutrient.

Does beef contain lactose?

No, ground beef does not contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. If you’re lactose intolerant, you should have no issue with ground beef in this regard.

Is beef high in uric acid?

No, beef itself does not contain uric acid. However, when you consume beef, your body breaks down purines (which are present in beef) to produce uric acid. Therefore, consuming large quantities of beef may increase the levels of uric acid in your body.

Is beef high in arginine?

Yes, beef is high in arginine. A 3-oz serving of cooked, lean ground beef contains approximately 1.2 grams of arginine. The recommended daily dose of l-arginine is 2-3g for active individuals or those with acute health conditions, so beef can provide a substantial portion of this amount.

Is beef high in phosphorus?

Yes, beef is a good source of phosphorus. A 3-ounce serving of ground beef (20% fat) contains around 182 milligrams of phosphorus. The recommended daily intake of phosphorus for adults is 700 milligrams, so a serving of beef can provide over a quarter of your daily requirement.

Is beef high in purines?

Yes, beef is high in purines. An average serving of beef (3 ounces) contains between 100-200 milligrams of purines. For individuals who need to manage their purine intake, such as those with gout, it’s recommended to limit purine intake to between 100-150 milligrams per day. Thus, a single serving of beef can contain more than the entire recommended daily limit for these individuals.

Does beef boost testosterone?

Yes, beef can contribute to a boost in testosterone levels. This is because ground beef (20% fat content) is a good source of zinc, providing about 4.8mg per 100g serving. Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in testosterone production and men should aim for about 11mg of zinc per day according to the National Institutes of Health.

Does beef contain estrogen?

Yes, but the amount is minuscule. Typically, a 3-ounce serving of ground beef (20% fat content) contains about 1.3 nanograms of estrogen. This is far less than many other foods and our body produces much more estrogen naturally. For context, an adult man naturally produces about 136,000 nanograms of estrogen per day.

Does beef increase libido?

Ground beef (20% fat content) can contribute to a healthy libido mostly due to its zinc content. Zinc is known to play a crucial role in modulating serum testosterone levels in men. As mentioned earlier, a 100-gram serving of beef provides about 4.8mg of zinc, contributing to the daily recommended intake of 11mg. However, food alone might not be enough to significantly increase libido if other underlying health or psychological issues are present.

Is beef good for fertility?

Again, the zinc content in ground beef (20% fat content) makes it beneficial for fertility, especially in males. Zinc plays a critical role in sperm production and motility. Regular consumption of zinc-rich foods like beef can contribute to overall sperm health. Mixed with a balanced diet, beef can be a part of a fertility-boosting meal plan. Please remember, diet alone cannot guarantee fertility; it’s recommended to seek advice from a medical professional for proper fertility treatment and advice.

Is beef keto?

Yes, ground beef is suitable for a keto diet. This diet is high in fats and protein, and low in carbohydrates. Ground beef, especially the 20% fat variety, is high in both protein and fats. A 100g serving contains about 17g of fats and 14g of protein, but zero carbohydrates, making it a good choice for someone following the keto diet.

Is beef vegan?

No, ground beef is not vegan. Vegan diets exclude all types of animal-derived products, and beef is a product of animals. Those following a vegan diet should avoid beef and opt for plant-based protein sources instead.

Is beef vegetarian?

No, ground beef is not vegetarian. Similar to a vegan diet, a vegetarian diet excludes the consumption of meat, poultry, and fish. Ground beef is therefore unsuitable for individuals following a vegetarian lifestyle.

Can you eat beef on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, but in moderation. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low to moderate amounts of fish and poultry, and only occasionally red meat. A 3.5 oz serving of ground beef, which contains around 254 calories and 20g of fat, could be consumed occasionally as part of a balanced Mediterranean diet. However, leaner beef options would be more in line with the diet’s guidelines.

What are some good alternatives to ground beef?

Alternatives to ground beef can include ground turkey, ground chicken, and plant-based alternatives (like beyond meat or impossible meat). For comparable protein concentrations, ground turkey or ground chicken range from 21 to 24 grams of protein per 100 grams, while plant-based alternatives typically provide around 20 grams. Remember each substitute may require different cooking times and methods, so always follow recipe instructions.

Does beef contain trans fat?

Yes, ground beef does contain trans fat, although the amounts can vary depending on the fat content. Usually, ground beef (20% fat) contains around 1.3 grams of trans fat per 100 grams serving. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fats intake to less than 1% of total daily calories, which would be less than 2 grams per day for a typical 2000 calorie diet.