AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Beef Council (TBC) has once again partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) to share with consumers the many ways beef can be part of a heart-healthy diet. In honor of National Heart Month in February, TBC celebrated the yearlong partnership by showcasing heart-healthy lean beef at Go Red for Women Luncheons in major Texas markets.
“We are very pleased to partner with AHA and showcase beef’s positive role in a heart-healthy diet,” said Jennifer Matison, TBC senior manager of consumer information. “Checkoff-funded beef nutrition research studies have been instrumental in providing accurate beef nutrition information to not only consumers, but leaders within the health professional community. These studies allow us to partner with reputable health organizations such as AHA.”
This year TBC has sponsored and attended Go Red for Women Luncheons in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and will also be involved in the upcoming Houston luncheon. TBC also partnered with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association to participate in the Amarillo luncheon. To date, more than 3,500 attendees have received beef nutrition information and enjoyed a lean beef meal at the luncheons.
Jennifer Fisher with TheFitFork.com blog showcased her Beef and Egg ‘Barn Raiser’ Breakfast Bake recipe during breakout sessions at the luncheons. Fisher also appeared on two segments of San Antonio’s Great Day SA morning show touting the benefits of eating protein for breakfast. Texans learned lean beef is an excellent source of protein that will satiate hunger and help curb snacking on unhealthy foods later in the day. This strategy helps maintain a healthy weight which ultimately reduces many risk factors associated with heart disease.
Last year the Beef Checkoff Program announced six fresh beef cuts were now certified to display the AHA Heart-Check mark. With that, retailers have the opportunity to market the extra-lean beef items to shoppers using one of the most trusted icons on food packing today.
The extra-lean beef cuts that meet the AHA’s criteria for heart-healthy foods as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern and are certified to display the Heart-Check mark include USDA Select grade Sirloin Tip Steak, Bottom Round Steak, Top Sirloin Stir-Fry, Boneless Top Sirloin Petite Roast, Top Sirloin Filet and Top Sirloin Kabob.
“The beef industry has made significant strides when it comes to producing a wholesome and nutritious product that fits into a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle,”said Dr. Dick Sherron, Texas physician, cattleman and TBC board member. “Working with leading health organizations like AHA to help educate consumers about our nutritious and healthful product continues to be a focus the beef checkoff in Texas.”
Headquartered in Austin, TBC conducts the $1-per-head checkoff program for Texas beef producers. Its mission is to increase beef demand in the state through programs of beef promotion, research and education. TBC also helps fund national and international beef checkoff programs to increase marketing opportunities for the entire U.S. beef industry. For more information on this and other checkoff-funded programs, please visit www.TexasBeef.org or call (800) 846.4113.
Source: The Texas Beef Council