I am researching the benefits of beef in the diet for a presentation later this week. I found an interesting fact sheet that I thought I would pass on. This will be especially handy if you are pregnant, thinking about having children, or just interested in the many benefits of beef.

Eating for 2? Is produced by the Council for Women’s Nutrition Solution and The Beef Checkoff through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

I might have lost you at pregnancy, but stay with me —

Interesting facts:

1. Did you know that a pregnant woman needs 10 extra grams of protein a day to support a growing baby?

2. Did you know that a 50% increase in blood volume occurs during pregnancy? This means a pregnant woman needs enough iron to help make about three more pounds of blood! The iron in red meats, like lean beef, is better absorbed than the iron found in plant foods.

3. Zinc is essential to a baby’s brain development. A 3-ounce serving a beef provides 36% of the daily value of zinc!!