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Beef and Heart Health

Citrus-Marinated Beef Top Sirloin & Fruit Kabobs

Eating for a healthy heart and enjoying one of your favorite foods – theses two things don’t have to be at odds with one another! Recent research on heart health shows that eating lean beef can actually be part of the solution to one of America’s greatest health challenges. What’s better? Not only can lean beef be part of a heart-healthy diet, but it can even help lower cholesterol as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Bold Dietary Pattern

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1, researchers from Penn State University found that people who participated in the Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) Study, maintained healthy blood cholesterol levels while consuming a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and beans, with lean beef as the primary protein source. The BOLD diets contained 4-5.4 oz (weights before cooking) of lean beef daily, while providing less than 7% of calories from saturated fat, consistent with current fat intake targets. The BOLD study is the latest addition to the body of evidence that supports including lean beef in a heart-healthy diet. In fact, over 20 studies of lean beef in healthy dietary patterns support a role for lean beef in a heart healthy diet and lifestyle.2 

Heart-Check certification does not apply to recipes, links, information reached through links, or scientific studies unless expressly stated.

You can follow a similar dietary pattern as the people who participated in the BOLD study by eating similar heart-healthy recipes like these American Heart Association® Certified Recipes. Here’s a one-day sample menu as an example:


Making Heart Healthy Easy and Delicious

Top Sirloin Filet_1184B

Eating for a healthy heart can be a tasty endeavor. And it really isn’t complicated, especially when you consider that nine extra-lean beef cuts have been certified by the American Heart Association’s® Heart-Check program! Enjoy these cuts of extra-lean beef, which carry the American Heart Association® Heart-Check certification for foods that fit in an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern:

  • Extra Lean Ground Beef (96% lean, 4% fat)
  • Bottom Round Steak (USDA Select grade)
  • Extra Lean Ground Beef 96% Lean 4% Fat (with Natural Flavors)
  • Sirloin Tip Steak (USDA Select grade)
  • Top Sirloin Petite Roast, Boneless (USDA Select grade)
  • Top Sirloin Strips (USDA Select grade)
  • Top Sirloin Filet (USDA Select grade)
  • Top Sirloin Kabob (USDA Select grade)

  • Top Sirloin Steak, Boneless, Center Cut (USDA Select grade)

Heart Healthy Recipes

Hand holding heart against beautiful setting.

Enjoying lean beef in a heart-healthy lifestyle is easier than you think with these recipes featuring lean beef, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains. These recipes are all certified by the American Heart Association®. 

SEE RECIPEs >


Heart-Check certification does not apply to recipes, links, information reached through links, or scientific studies unless expressly stated.

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  1. Roussell MA, et al. Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet study: effects on lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:9-16.
  2. McNeill, SH. Inclusion of red meat in healthful dietary patterns. Meat Sci 2014;98:452-60.