Meat & Poultry Facts

Meat and poultry are often the centerpiece of a meal. Adding a steak or a chicken breast to a meal is a way to make it more filling and more hearty. Before adding these to your meal, know the truth behind their nutrition and their preparation.

Protein

• Meat and poultry are an important and concentrated source of protein. Half of a chicken breast has 30 grams of protein. A 3-ounce serving of ground chuck beef has 23 grams of protein.

Cholesterol

• Each type of meat has a varying amount of cholesterol. Beef has the lowest amount of cholesterol as compared with other types of meat. Chicken has more cholesterol than beef.

Iron

• Some types of meat can be a good source of Iron. One 3-ounce serving of ground chuck beef has 13 percent of your daily value of Iron.

Fat

• Eating meat and poultry will add fat to your diet. Half of a breast of chicken can add 13 grams of fat to your diet. One 3-ounce serving of ground chuck will add 15 grams of fat.

Cooking Times

• Different meats require different cooking times and internal temperatures. The internal temperature of poultry should reach 165 to 175 degrees (F). Beef steaks, on the other hand, can be consumed at lower temperatures.