When it comes to building a healthy plate, protein is one of the most important nutrients you can choose - and not all proteins are created equal. Beef, especially lean beef like Laura’s Lean, delivers powerful nutrition, a superior eating experience, and a package of essential nutrients that help fuel real life.
Whether you’re meal planning, building muscle, or just trying to eat well, understanding the science behind protein and the benefits of lean beef can help you make smarter choices at the grocery store and on your plate.
Beef: A Complete and High-Quality Source of Protein
Protein plays a vital role in the body, supporting muscle repair, immune function, metabolism, and satiety (the feeling of fullness) - and much of that depends on the quality of the protein you eat.
Beef is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body must get from food. These amino acids are critical for:
- Muscle growth and repair
- Enzyme and hormone production
- Tissue maintenance
- Immune system support
In fact, a 3-ounce serving of lean cooked beef provides roughly 22–25 grams of protein -making it one of the most efficient sources of high-quality protein you can eat. ¹
Why Lean Protein Matters
Choosing lean protein - like Laura’s Lean beef - gives you all the benefits of high-quality protein without excess saturated fat and calories.
Here’s what lean beef offers:
- High protein density: Lots of protein per serving
- Fewer calories and fat: Helps support weight and health goals
- Greater satiety: Helps you feel fuller longer between meals
- Versatility: Fits into almost any eating pattern or cuisine
By selecting lean ground beef, steaks, or roasts, you can enjoy flavorful meals that support muscles, metabolism, and overall wellbeing.
Key Nutrients in Beef That Go Beyond Protein
Beef isn’t just about protein. It’s a nutrient-dense food with several micronutrients that are hard to find in other protein sources:
Iron (Heme Iron)
Beef contains Heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-Heme iron found in plants. Iron helps transport oxygen in your blood and supports energy levels. ²
Zinc
Important for immune health, wound healing, taste and smell, and DNA synthesis. Beef is a rich, bio-available source of zinc. ³
Vitamin B12
Essential for red blood cell formation, brain health, and nervous system function and almost exclusively found in animal products. 4
B Vitamins (Niacin, B6)
Play key roles in energy metabolism and the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.5
Creatine & Carnosine
Naturally occurring compounds in beef that support muscle function and performance. 6
These nutrients work together with protein to make lean beef one of the most complete foods you can enjoy.
Laura’s Lean vs. Chicken: What’s the Advantage?
While chicken is often thought of as the “default” healthy protein, lean beef offers distinct advantages, especially for nutrient density:
Protein Quality
Both beef and chicken offer high-quality protein, but beef’s amino acid profile makes it particularly effective for muscle synthesis.
Micronutrients
Beef provides Heme iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, creatine, and carnosine, nutrients that are limited or absent in chicken. If you rely on chicken alone, you may miss out on these important components of overall health.
Satiety & Satisfaction
Beef’s rich nutrient package and flavor profile help keep you full longer, which can be especially helpful for balanced eating patterns and weight management.
Flavor & Versatility
Lean beef adds deep, savory flavor that works with many cuisines and cooking styles - from lean chili and burgers to roasted steaks and stir-fries.
The Bottom Line: Choose Lean, Choose Better
Whether you’re fueling a workout, feeding your family, or simply trying to make the healthiest choices possible, lean beef - and especially Laura’s Lean - is a smart protein choice.
- It delivers complete protein
- It provides essential micronutrients you can’t easily get elsewhere
- It supports satiety and long-term health goals
- It tastes great in a wide range of meals
When it comes to lean protein, Laura’s Lean checks all the boxes. With beef that’s 92% lean or leaner, raised with no added hormones or antibiotics, Laura’s Lean delivers the high-quality, nutrient-dense protein today’s guidelines emphasize - without unnecessary extras. It’s real beef, thoughtfully raised, that helps consumers meet health goals while still enjoying great taste.
In a world of ultra-processed options, Laura’s Lean makes it easier to choose whole, nutrient-dense food - exactly as intended.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Beef, trimmed brisket, separable lean only, cooked, braised.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- PubMed Central. B vitamins and energy metabolism.
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Creatine supplementation and exercise.
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