Agricultural News
Dr. Shalene McNeil Says New Dietary Guidlines Include Positive Beef Impact
Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:17:36 CST
In today's Beef Buzz, Ron Hays talks with Dr. Shalene McNeil, Executive Director, nutrition science, health science, culinary, and outreach for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
McNeil talks about the process of updating dietary guidelines by the USDA and FDA. McNeil has taken the lead in interacting with the advisory committee on dietary guidelines. The committee will hold its 5th public meeting before issuing a final report to the USDA and FDA in May.
McNeil says so far it has been a mixed bag of positive and negative issues to overcome for the beef industry.
"We've talked a lot about check-off funded research on beef as a 'first food' for babies and the importance of beef in the early stages of life," McNeil said.
She noted that infants need nutrient-rich food such as beef.
On the other end of the age spectrum, McNeil has worked with the committee on recognizing the fact older people need more protein in their diets to maintain muscle mass. Beef is an excellent source of protein.That's the good news.
The bad news is the committee is still talking about a healthy diet low in red and processed meats. McNeil said that's because they are looking at old research focused on unhealthy diets with beef.
The NCBA dietary scientist added she is feeling better about the guideline process as the current committee is more diverse.
McNeil is encouraged by new research soon to be released by Duke University looking at when protein from beef is increased in the diets of older people; it helps offset some of the impacts of aging.
Click on the LISTEN BAR below to hear the complete interview with Mcneil as she talks with Ron Hays.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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