Zinc is essential for cognitive development, immune function, hormone activity and it contributes to a sharper sense of taste and smell. Just think, where would you be without all of these? Zinc is in a variety of foods like broccoli, beans, corn and cheddar cheese, but it's most readily absorbable from beef and meats. Did you know that one 3-ounce serving of beef gives your body 32% of your daily allowance of zinc - while one serving of legumes or nuts gives you only 5.8%? Which would you rather eat, a whole bunch of nuts and beans or one tasty tenderloin?

Iron is used in red blood cell formation and cognitive development so it too is extremely important to the everyday functioning of your body. A Purdue University study showed that infants who don't get enough iron have delayed cognitive development - a prime reason why pregnant and nursing moms are often given iron supplements. Beef is an excellent food source of iron. It contains heme iron which is the most readily absorbable type of iron. In addition, beef enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources. This is the perfect reason to eat a baked potato with your steak... you'll not only get iron from the steak, but you'll get 50% more from your baked potato too!

Protein is an essential building block for your body because it strengthens bones and muscles, which in turn aids in the growth process. Protein also helps to keep you healthy by building immune responses. While there are measurable amounts of protein in a variety of sources, beef is recognized as a protein-dense food source. Beef provides eight essential amino acids that your body needs to build those strong bones and as an added bonus it also provides a mechanism to help produce non-essential amino acids that your body needs.