4 oz (112 g) Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef contains approximately 240 calories. If you are wondering about the calorie count or macronutrient breakdown of this food, read on.
Ground beef is a popular protein source that can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. Grass-fed beef in particular is believed to have additional health benefits compared to grain-fed beef.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional profile of grass-fed, 85% lean ground beef as well as some tips for cooking and storing it properly.
How many calories are in 4 oz (112 g) Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
A 4 oz serving of grass-fed 85% lean ground beef contains approximately 240 calories. The exact calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific cut of meat and cooking method, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow.
What are the macronutrients in 4 oz (112 g) Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
Alongside its calorie content, ground beef is a rich source of protein, providing approximately 22g of protein per 4 oz serving. It also contains varying amounts of fat and cholesterol, depending on the specific cut of meat and beef's overall leanness. For example, our 85% lean grass-fed beef has 14g of fat per serving, with 5g of that being saturated fat.
What are the health benefits of Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
Grass-fed beef generally contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy unsaturated fats that are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, grass-fed beef may contain higher levels of antioxidants such as vitamin E and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have been studied for their potential health benefits.
How does the fat content affect the calorie count in Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
Fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, meaning that foods with higher fat content will generally have a higher calorie count. In the case of our 85% lean grass-fed beef, the fat content contributes approximately 126 calories to the total 240 calories per serving.
What are some recipes that use Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
Ground beef can be a versatile ingredient in many recipes, from classic burgers to chili and spaghetti bolognese. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Grilled grass-fed beef burgers with avocado and sweet potato fries
- Beef and vegetable stir-fry with rice noodles
- Chili con carne with black beans and corn
- Spaghetti bolognese with whole wheat noodles and roasted vegetables
What is the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed ground beef?
Grass-fed beef comes from cows that are raised on a diet primarily of grass, while grain-fed beef comes from cows that are raised on a diet of corn or other grains. Grass-fed beef is generally believed to be a healthier and more sustainable option than grain-fed beef.
What are the amino acid profiles of Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
Ground beef is a rich source of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It contains all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, making it a complete protein source. Grass-fed beef in particular may have slightly different amino acid profiles than grain-fed beef due to differences in diet and processing.
How does Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef compare to other protein sources?
While ground beef can be a good source of protein, there are many other protein sources to choose from. Here is how our grass-fed, 85% lean ground beef compares to some other popular protein sources in terms of calorie count and macronutrient breakdown.
- 4 oz (112 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast: 110 calories, 26g protein, 1g fat
- 4 oz (112 g) extra-firm tofu: 80 calories, 10g protein, 4g fat
- 1/2 cup (82 g) cooked lentils: 115 calories, 9g protein, 0.5g fat
What are the potential drawbacks of eating Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
While there are many potential benefits to choosing grass-fed beef over grain-fed beef, it is important to note that it can be more expensive and may not be available at all grocery stores. Additionally, ground beef is a high-calorie food that may not be suitable for everyone's dietary needs or preferences.
How should I store, cook, and handle Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef?
To ensure the safety and quality of your ground beef, it is important to follow proper handling and cooking techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always store ground beef in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of purchasing it
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any harmful bacteria
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination
Grass-fed beef is generally believed to be a healthier and more sustainable option than grain-fed beef.
4 oz Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef: 5 FAQs
1. How many calories are in 4 oz of grass fed 85% lean ground beef?
There are 240 calories in 4 oz of grass fed 85% lean ground beef.
2. What is the difference between grass fed beef and conventional beef?
Grass fed beef comes from cows that have primarily been fed grass throughout their lives, while conventional beef may come from cows that have been fed corn, soy, or other grains. Grass fed beef is thought to be more nutrient-dense and may have a more favorable fatty acid profile.
3. What does 85% lean mean?
85% lean means that 85% of the weight of the ground beef comes from meat, while the remaining 15% comes from fat. This is a leaner option compared to ground beef with a higher percentage of fat.
4. How can you prepare grass fed 85% lean ground beef?
Grass fed 85% lean ground beef can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilled, sautéed, or used in dishes like tacos, chili, or meatballs. It is important to cook it thoroughly to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
5. Is grass fed 85% lean ground beef a healthy choice?
Grass fed 85% lean ground beef can be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose cooking methods that do not add excessive amounts of fat or calories.