Dietary cholesterol only affects the cholesterol levels in about 1 out of 8 people. Cholesterol is necessary for life and is part of every cell. However, cholesterol plaque can block arteries. The good news is that a recent scientific study shows that both lean red meat and lean white meat raise the good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. The results show that lean red meat and lean white meat in the diet can reduce the chance of heart attack by 10%. This study will be discussed in the following section.

   Many Americans have been conditioned to believe that red meat is incompatible with a heart-healthy diet. THIS IS ONE OF AMERICA'S BIGGEST NUTRITIONAL MYTHS.

Consider these facts:

1. Red meat is one of the larger categories of certified products in the American Heart Association Food Certification Program.
   
   
2. A study published June 28, 1999 in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported these facts: Three clinical sites participated in a cholesterol study: The Johns Hopkins University Lipid Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and the Chicago Center for Clinical Research. This clinical study found that incorporating either lean red meat or lean white meat into a heart-healthy diet has the same effects in attaining favorable levels for LDL, HDL and total cholesterol. The study showed that both meat proteins lowered bad (LDL) and raised the good (HDL) cholesterol. In addition, the study participants who consumed LEAN RED MEAT were more likely to remain on the prescribed diet than the participants consuming lean white meat diet. This entire report is available to you when you sign up to be a Maverick Ranch Preferred Customer. Simply specify that you would like a copy of this report in the additional comments field.
   
   
3. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is an essential component of every cell. Cholesterol over-production can be controlled by medication. It is believed that human cholesterol production is affected more by saturated fat consumption than by total dietary consumption of cholesterol. About 1 out of 8 people are believed to be affected by dietary consumption of cholesterol. Maverick Ranch Beef has a reduction of fat and saturated fat of over 65% as compared to USDA Handbook 8-13. USDA labeling requirements for "less cholesterol" are very strict. Maverick Ranch provides many NaturaLite Beef products that comply with the USDA requirements for less cholesterol.