Sirloin steak is a popular choice for its rich flavor and relatively lean cut, but how does it stack up nutritionally?
Understanding the nutritional value of the foods we eat is important for making informed dietary choices. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at sirloin nutrition, breaking down its key components and health benefits.
What is sirloin?
Sirloin is a cut of beef that comes from the back of the cow, behind the ribs. Top sirloin is a specific cut from this area, leaner than some other steaks.
Sirloin steaks are usually flavorful, relatively tender, and don’t have a ton of fat.
Top Sirloin Nutritional Facts
Here’s a peek at the nutritional profile of top sirloin. Note that these numbers can fluctuate a bit depending on the cut and grade of the beef. The following figures are for a 100-gram serving:
- Calories: 149
- Total Fat: 6.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Protein: 22.8g
- Phosphorus: 206mg
- Selenium: 21.3mcg
Here’s the nutritional information for one ounce of cooked, broiled top sirloin beef, trimmed to 1/8″ fat, select grade:
- Protein (g): 8.32
- Total lipid (fat) (g): 1.41
- Energy (kcal): 48.2
- Sodium, Na (mg): 17.58
- Selenium, Se (mcg): 10.38
As you can see, sirloin is a protein powerhouse, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re trying to build muscle or just feel full and satisfied after a meal. Sirloin contains both total fat and saturated fat, so it’s always a good idea to choose leaner cuts and trim any excess fat before cooking. Finally, because it’s a meat product, sirloin contains no carbohydrates.
The good news: Health benefits of sirloin
Sirloin offers some nutritional advantages:
- Lean protein. Protein helps your body build and repair muscle.
- Essential nutrients. Sirloin contains selenium, which keeps your thyroid working properly and acts as an antioxidant. It also contains phosphorus, which is important for healthy bones and energy production.
- Relatively low sodium. Compared to other processed foods, sirloin is relatively low in sodium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
The Not-So-Good: Potential Drawbacks
Sirloin contains saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol. It also contains cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol, but too much can be a problem.
As with most things, moderation is key. Pay attention to portion sizes and factor sirloin’s fat and cholesterol content into your overall dietary plan.
Summary
Sirloin offers protein, iron, and other nutrients, but it also contains saturated fat and cholesterol. As with most foods, moderation and balance are key. Consider your own dietary needs and health goals when deciding how much sirloin to include in your diet.