When it comes to red meat, beef brisket is one of the most flavorful and versatile cuts you can find. And with 213 calories per 100 grams, it's a hearty and satisfying option for those who want to keep an eye on their caloric intake. But what else does this delicious meat have to offer in terms of nutrition?

In addition to its protein content, which we'll explore in the next section, beef brisket is also rich in several key vitamins and minerals. Specifically, it's a good source of iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, all of which are important for maintaining healthy body functions.

If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious way to fuel your body, beef brisket is definitely worth adding to your menu. But how can you best prepare and cook this flavorful cut? And what are some of the potential health benefits of including it in your diet? Let's dive in and find out!

Calories in Beef Brisket

As mentioned earlier, 100 grams of beef brisket contains approximately 213 calories. However, it's worth noting that this can vary depending on how the meat is prepared and cooked. For example, if you opt for a fattier cut or don't trim the excess fat before cooking, the calorie count will be higher. Regardless of the calorie count, it's important to remember that beef brisket, like all red meat, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Too much red meat has been linked to various health concerns, including heart disease and cancer.

Beef Brisket Protein Content

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in muscle building, tissue repair, and overall health and well-being. And luckily, beef brisket is a great source of this vital macronutrient. In fact, 100 grams of cooked, braised beef brisket contains approximately 29 grams of protein. To put that into perspective, the recommended daily intake of protein for an average adult is around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. So if you weigh 68 kilograms (150 pounds), for example, you would need around 55 grams of protein per day. A serving of beef brisket would provide more than half of that requirement.

Beef Brisket Fat Content

As with all cuts of meat, the fat content of beef brisket can vary depending on factors such as the animal's diet and the cooking method used. However, if you opt for a trimmed, flat half cut with 0" of fat, you can expect a relatively low fat content overall. 100 grams of trimmed, cooked, braised beef brisket contains approximately 11 grams of fat. Of that, around 4 grams is saturated fat, which is considered less healthy than unsaturated fat. However, it's worth noting that increasing evidence suggests that saturated fat is not as harmful as once believed, and that other factors such as sugar intake and inflammation may be more significant contributors to heart disease and other health concerns.

Beef Brisket Carbohydrate Content

When it comes to carbohydrates, beef brisket is a relatively low-carb choice. 100 grams of cooked, braised beef brisket contains only around 1 gram of carbs. This makes it a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, or simply looking to reduce their carb intake. It's worth noting that the type of carbs you consume is just as important as the amount. Processed or refined carbs, such as those found in sugary snacks and white bread, can lead to blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and other health issues. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, such as those found in whole grains and vegetables, provide steady energy and are essential for long-term health and wellness.

Beef Brisket Fiber Content

Fiber is another important nutrient that most of us don't get enough of. It's essential for digestive health, blood sugar control, and weight management, among other things. However, red meat is not typically a significant source of dietary fiber. 100 grams of cooked, braised beef brisket contains only around 0.1 grams of fiber. To get more fiber in your diet, it's best to focus on plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

Beef Brisket Cholesterol Content

Cholesterol is a type of fat that can accumulate in the arteries and lead to heart disease and other health concerns. However, recent research suggests that dietary cholesterol may not be as harmful as once believed, and that other factors such as inflammation and sugar intake may be more significant contributors to heart disease. That being said, if you're watching your cholesterol intake, it's worth noting that 100 grams of cooked, braised beef brisket contains approximately 80 milligrams of cholesterol. This is less than the daily recommended limit of 300 milligrams for most people, but it's still worth being aware of.

Beef Brisket Vitamins and Minerals

As mentioned earlier, beef brisket is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Iron: Essential for healthy blood cells and oxygen transport. Beef brisket contains around 1.7 milligrams of iron per 100 grams.
• Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production. Beef brisket contains around 2.6 micrograms of vitamin B12 per 100 grams.
• Zinc: Essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Beef brisket contains around 4.7 milligrams of zinc per 100 grams.
• Selenium: An antioxidant mineral that supports immune function and reproductive health. Beef brisket contains around 28 micrograms of selenium per 100 grams.

By including beef brisket in your diet, you can help ensure that you're getting these important nutrients in adequate amounts.

Beef Brisket Sodium Content

Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, most people consume too much salt, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health concerns. 100 grams of cooked, braised beef brisket contains approximately 77 milligrams of sodium. This is a relatively low amount compared to some other processed or packaged foods, but it's still worth being aware of if you're watching your sodium intake.

Beef Brisket Cooking Tips

Now that we've covered the nutritional aspects of beef brisket, let's talk about how to cook it to perfection. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right cut: Look for a flat half cut that's been trimmed to 0" fat for the healthiest option.
• Use low and slow heat: Beef brisket is a tough cut that requires a long cooking time to tenderize. If you're braising it, aim for 3-4 hours at a low temperature (around 300°F).
• Season well: Beef brisket has a strong flavor but can benefit from the addition of spices and other seasonings. Try a rub with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
• Rest before slicing: Let the brisket rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Beef Brisket Health Benefits

Despite its reputation as a fatty and unhealthy food, beef brisket can actually provide a number of potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Some of these include:

• High in protein: As we discussed earlier, beef brisket is a great source of protein, which is essential for numerous body functions including muscle building and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Beef brisket is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
• Potential weight loss benefits: Studies have suggested that a high-protein diet can help with weight loss and weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.

Overall, beef brisket can be a healthy and delicious addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way.