Processing Beef Correctly

Beef is an important source of nutrients, such as protein and minerals. However, beef can also be a source of bad fats and cholesterol. How to process, how to consume, to how to store beef that is good and right can reduce the adverse effects of consuming beef. Beef is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and iron which are important for the body. Beef also contains various types of fat, especially saturated fat and monounsaturated fat. If you often eat beef, not only the protein content in the body increases, but also fat. High levels of fat in the body will increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. Foods that contain saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can increase levels of bad LDL cholesterol. As a result, the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke will increase. In addition, eating too much red meat, including beef, is thought to trigger inflammation which has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, such as colorectal, stomach, breast and endometrial cancers.

Healthy Ways to Store, Process and Consume Beef

Not only the amount of beef consumption that must be monitored, how to store and process it must also be considered. Here are some healthy ways to store, process and consume beef:

• Choose beef

Choose the beef that has a little fat like the hamstrings, quads, outer hasles (sirloin), or the waist. Choose beef that is fresh red and clean. Stay away from beef that has been brown, slimy, or looks dirty. We recommend that you consume real beef, not processed meat such as smoked meat, hot dogs, or sausages.

• Store beef

Store beef in the refrigerator at 1 degree Celsius or in the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius immediately after purchasing This is useful for keeping meat fresh, maintaining beef nutrition, and extending the shelf life of food. If stored in the refrigerator, raw beef should only be stored for one or two days. While cooked beef, can last for three to four days. When stored in a freezer, raw beef can last up to three or four months, while beef is cooked in two to six months. Store beef in a clean and tightly closed container. If you want to thaw frozen beef, put it in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

• Processing beef

Before and after handling beef, do not forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with clean water and soap so that the bacteria on the hands do not spread. Use a different knife and cutting board when processing beef so that bacteria do not spread to other food ingredients. Discard the meat fat before cooking, especially if you want to make soup or stew. If you want to cook beef, it is recommended to grill it or boil it, not fry it. If fried, use oils that are healthy for the heart, such as sunflower oil, canola oil, soybean oil, or olive oil. Cook beef in a frying pan, oven, or water at least 71 degrees Celsius to kill bacteria.

• Eat beef

Consumption of fibrous vegetables that can help reduce cholesterol absorption after consuming beef. Limit consumption of beef that is high in iron if you are being given iron supplements by a doctor. This is to prevent excess iron in the blood.

With the above methods, you can eat beef menu without worry. In addition, apply a balanced nutritious diet and exercise regularly, so that your body stays healthy.