Veal Ideal for Boomer Diet

A diet low in saturated fat is among the top recommendations from health professionals to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. According to Registered Dietitian and Baby Boomer Susie Langley, Ontario veal is a healthy option for those looking to add a new lean protein into their diet without adding excess saturated fat.

"One of the reasons I recommend veal is because of its high nutrient density and low saturated fat content," says Langley . "With more than 35 cuts to choose from, veal is extra lean and a great source of key nutrients. It's a protein that often gets overlooked, although it should be one of the prime meats for those of us who are 45 years and older."

All veal cuts contain 7.5 g of fat or less per 100 g (3½ oz) portion and contain a very low amount of saturated fat. A 100 g (3½ oz) portion of a grain fed loin chop contains only 1.8 g of saturated fat. Veal is also an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B₁₂ which are essential for top physical and mental performance and to boost the immune system.

"Vitamin B₁₂, iron and zinc are essential nutrients," says Langley. "Vitamin B₁₂ helps maintain a healthy brain and nervous system to promote optimum mental performance. Iron and zinc are key minerals needed for healthy red blood cells and oxygen transport to prevent fatigue. Zinc status is especially important as we age because of its role in boosting the body's defense system to help resist illness and infections like colds and flu."