To the editor:

Most of us could benefit from a more balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies, and according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans there’s also room in our diets to choose lean beef more often.

Steaks, roasts and ground beef provide high-quality protein, iron, zinc, B-vitamins and other essentials nutrients that help offset nutrients shortages at every life stage – from young children to older adults.

Personally, I include beef in my diet because the key nutrients mentioned – like iron, zinc and B vitamins – are concentrated in a way no other food is. Beef is a lean protein that provides those essential nutrients in a package that tastes delicious and I feel good about including in my diet.

Further, as a woman who grew up on cattle ranch, I know that beef is a sustainable protein. Through cattle ranchers’ everyday work, their priority is caring for the animals and the land while delivering a product that consumers will love. Whether considering health or sustainability, beef is a valuable, practical food source for many in the U.S.

The evidence-based research supports including beef in healthy diets. Trust the science.

Missy Schrader, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Manhattan