The Power of Protein

1
The Power of Protein
Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., R.D. Executive Director,
Nutrition Research National Cattlemens Beef
Association
The Beef Checkoff
2
Obesity Continues to Drive Change
3
The Great Diet Debate What is the Optimal
Ratio of Macronutrients?
4
Proliferation of Research on Lower
Carbohydrate/Higher Protein Diets
4
5
Protein Boosts Health Wellness

• Build muscle
• Boost immunity
• Provide energy
• Aid satiety/fullness
• Build better brains
• Build stronger bones
• Manage weight
• Healthy Aging

Age 67
Age 79
6
Protein Ignored in Dietary Guidance

• 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Chapter 5,
  Food Groups to Encourage
• While protein is an important macronutrient in
  the diet, most Americans are already currently
  consuming enough (AMDR 10 to 35 percent of
  calories) and do not need to increase their
  intake. As such, protein consumption, while
  important for nutrient adequacy, is not a focus
  of this document.

7
Protein Consumption Myths
Minimal (RDA) vs Optimal (AMDR)
1
2
1
2
1. National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey2. Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution
Range
8
The Facts About Red Meat Consumption
On average, Americans are consuming about 2.3 oz
(65 g) of red meat per day, well within 2005
Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Source CSFII 1999
9
Protein Interest is Growing

• Since 2000, protein research has increased by 40
  percent and protein media coverage has more than
  doubled.

Based on comparison of protein and diet
searches in Factiva and PubMed for the years 2000
and 2008
10
Animal Foods High Quality Protein
11
Plant Proteins are Competing

• Plant proteins can meet requirements when a
  variety of plant foods is consumed and energy
  needs are met.
• - Position of the American Dietetic Association

Beans and nuts (plant proteins) should be given
more emphasis, and as we look to the 2010 Dietary
Guidelines, the question is, Should separate
recommendations be made for plant and animal
protein sources? - Janet King, PhD, 2005
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
12
Everyone is Trying to Own Protein
13
Can Red Meat Own Protein?
14
Great Taste AND Health Benefits

• 79 percent say food companies should develop
  healthier foods that taste better
• Yankelovich Food for Life 2006
• 69 percent say food is an important source of
  pleasure
• Yankelovich Eating to the Extremes 2007

People want great taste AND health benefits in
the foods the love!
15
Americans Have Passion for Meat

• 97 percent enjoy beef
• 87 percent enjoy pork
• Beef Checkoff-funded research

16

• Qualitative research consistently shows that
  consumers associate protein with meat

17
Protein Claims are Compelling
NCBA Market Research, 2007
18
Discover the Power of Protein
Balance of Taste Nutrition from 57 to 71

• Beef is a Smart Choice
• from 57 to 64

19
Evidence Based
19
20
The Caloric Cost of Plant Protein
7 tablespoons of peanut butter, 25 grams of
protein, 670 calories
3 ounces of lean beef, 25 grams of protein,
180 calories
Three ½ cup servings of black beans, 25 grams of
protein, 374 calories
1 ¼ cups of raw tofu, 25 grams of protein, 236
calories
21
Calorie for calorie red meat is one of natures
most nutrient rich foods
22
Nearly 65 of all whole muscle cuts sold at
retail and 15 of the top 20 most popular retail
whole muscle cuts are lean.
Not Your Fathers Steak
23
LEAN HALO giving an A or B
24
Red Meat Protein Unique Package of Opportunities

• High Quality Protein
• Lean
• Nutrient Rich
• Calorie Efficient
• Great Taste
• Believable

25
Thank You!