News:

Red meat provides a wide range of essential nutrients including: protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, selenium, vitamin D, and long chain omega-3s.  The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommends lean red meat 3-4 times per week.
Protein - Lean red meat is rich in high quality protein providing all of the essential amino acids. On average 100g of lean red meat provides around 20-25g of protein.
Iron - Lean red meat is a significant source of iron which is well absorbed by the body. It contributes to 52% of our total intake in Australia.
Zinc - Because the zinc in red meat and other animal foods is better absorbed than from plant foods, the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand have set the requirements for zinc 50% higher for individuals who are strict vegetarians.
Vitamin B12 - Lean red meat is an excellent source of vitamin B12 contributing to a quarter of our total vitamin B12 intake in Australia.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids - Professor Peter Howe from the University of South Australia found that red meat is the second largest contributor of long-chain omega-3s in the Australian diet accounting for more than a quarter of our total intake.