Yes, You Can! How Red Meat Fits Into a Heart-Healthy Diet

Lean flank steak with mixed vegetables. Image Source: Nigel Lough

Written by: Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated: February 18, 2026 Americans eat a lot of meat. According to a 2023 USDA survey, the average intake is about 225 pounds per person each year, including beef, pork, turkey, and chicken. A 2025 study by the North American Meat […]