In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dr. Shalene McNeill, Executive Director, Nutrition Science, Health & Wellness with NCBA, about the newly released Dietary Guidelines and what they mean for beef producers and consumers. McNeill, who works on behalf of the Beef Checkoff in nutrition, says she was encouraged by what she saw when the guidelines were released, noting that they align closely with decades of scientific research on beef and human health.
“I was actually excited to see them,” McNeill said. “I think they reaffirmed the science on beef that not only the Beef Checkoff has invested in, but that other scientists have conducted over the past several decades, that really shows that beef can be included in a healthy dietary pattern.” She added that the new guidelines clearly reflect that body of research and represent a positive step forward for the industry.
While many aspects of the Dietary Guidelines remain familiar, McNeill says one major change stands out from a beef perspective. “What’s really different… is that we’ve never seen dietary guidelines that have placed such importance on high quality proteins, like beef,” she explained. According to McNeill, protein is now clearly prioritized, with higher recommended intake levels and more positive language around whole foods, including animal-based foods like beef and recognition of beef’s healthy fats.
McNeill said the emphasis on prioritizing protein at every meal reflects years of evolving research tied to public health challenges. “As we have been faced with our obesity crisis, our rising rates of diabetes and prediabetes, we’re closely examining what’s going on with our diets,” she said. Research has shown that increasing protein and replacing refined carbohydrates can help with weight management, blood sugar control, and cholesterol, developments she says have been building “over the last couple of decades.”
She also credited the Beef Checkoff for playing a leading role in advancing protein research. “The Beef Checkoff has been instrumental in reinvigorating the research on dietary protein,” McNeill said, pointing to a protein summit nearly 20 years ago that brought together leading scientists across animal and plant agriculture. Emphasizing the importance of nutrient density, she concluded, “One thing that you just cannot take away from meat is the fact of how nutrient dense it is… If you want to find the most protein-dense foods to eat, you’re going to be recommending meat.”
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
