Are you one of those people who love to explore new types of meat dishes? If yes, then Oxtail Beef must have already caught your attention. It is a favorite among meat lovers around the world. But is it really healthy for your body? This article will cover everything you need to know about Oxtail Beef and its nutritional value. So, let’s get started!
Nutritional Value of Oxtail Beef
Oxtail Beef is an excellent source of nutrients that are essential for the human body. Here is the list of nutrients that you can get from just a 100-gram serving of Oxtail Beef:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 19.2 grams |
| Fat | 6.2 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 0 grams |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.8 μg |
| Zinc | 4.1 mg |
Protein in Oxtail Beef
Oxtail Beef is high in protein. It contains almost 20% protein per 100-gram serving. Protein is a building block of muscles, bones, and cartilage. It is necessary for the growth and repair of body tissues. Oxtail Beef also contains essential amino acids, which are not produced by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Therefore, it is an excellent source of protein for people who want to build muscle mass or maintain their physical fitness.
Fat in Oxtail Beef
Oxtail Beef contains saturated and unsaturated fats. The amount of fat varies, depending on the cut and cooking method. It is always better to trim the excess fat to make it healthier. Saturated fats are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, but unsaturated fats are beneficial for health. The ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats in Oxtail Beef depends on the quality of the meat and the cooking method. However, it is still safer to consume it in moderation to reduce the overall fat intake.
Other Essential Nutrients in Oxtail Beef
Apart from protein and fat, Oxtail Beef is also a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and maintaining the nervous system’s health. Zinc is essential for the immune system and helps in wound healing. Iron is vital for the production of hemoglobin in the body, which carries oxygen to various parts of the body. Therefore, Oxtail Beef is an excellent addition to the diet of individuals who have deficiencies of these nutrients.
Is Oxtail Beef Good for Weight Loss?
Oxtail Beef is not particularly suitable for weight loss. It is a calorie-dense food that contains a lot of protein and fat. Therefore, it is not ideal for individuals who are trying to lose weight. However, if you are following a low-carb and high-protein diet, you can include it in your meal plan in moderation.
Is Oxtail Beef Suitable for People with High Cholesterol Levels?
Oxtail Beef is not suitable for individuals with high cholesterol levels. It is high in saturated fats, which are known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol levels can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, individuals with high cholesterol levels should limit their intake of Oxtail Beef or avoid it entirely.
How to Make Oxtail Beef Healthier?
Here are some tips to make your Oxtail Beef healthier:
- Trim the excess fat before cooking.
- Braise or slow-cook the meat to reduce the overall fat intake.
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Pair it with fiber-rich vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower.
Conclusion
Oxtail Beef is a delicious and nutritious food that provides various essential nutrients to the human body. It is high in protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. However, it is also high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, it is necessary to consume it in moderation and trim the excess fat before cooking. Additionally, if you are trying to lose weight, it is not the best dietary option. However, you can include it in your meal plan in moderation if you are following a low-carb and high-protein diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Oxtail Beef healthy for your body?
Oxtail Beef is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. However, it is also high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, it is necessary to consume it in moderation and trim the excess fat before cooking.
2. Is Oxtail Beef good for weight loss?
Oxtail Beef is not particularly suitable for weight loss. It is a calorie-dense food that contains a lot of protein and fat. Therefore, it is not ideal for individuals who are trying to lose weight.
3. Can people with high cholesterol levels eat Oxtail Beef?
Oxtail Beef is not suitable for individuals with high cholesterol levels. It is high in saturated fats, which are known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
4. How to make Oxtail Beef healthier?
To make Oxtail Beef healthier, you can trim the excess fat before cooking, braise or slow-cook the meat to reduce the overall fat intake, use herbs and spices instead of salt to enhance the flavor, and pair it with fiber-rich vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower.
References
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.
2. Lee, J. W., et al. “Influence of cooking styles on the proximate composition and mineral contents of oxtail soup.” Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 40.11 (2011): 1627-1631.
3. Maharshi, Dinesh, et al. “Sensory evaluation and chemical characteristics of oxtail patties with different formulations.” Journal of Food Science and Technology 56.4 (2019): 2046-2055.