Team BEEF South Dakota is a community of runners and cyclists who recognize the nutritional benefits of lean beef and the vital role high-quality protein plays in their training. Team BEEF South Dakota is open to all South Dakotans who want to promote beef, be physically active, and showcase eating beef in a healthy lifestyle.
Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential nutrients including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle. The nutrients in beef provide our bodies with the strength to thrive throughout all stages of life.
Protein consists of building blocks called amino acids. A high-quality protein (also known as a complete protein) contains all eight essential amino acids. While protein is not your primary fuel for the actual run, it is part of your nutrient support team. Protein is important for runners because it helps to build and repair muscle, aids muscles in contracting and relaxing, builds ligaments and tendons that hold muscles and support bone, and assists with recovery by preventing muscle breakdown.
Source: South Dakota Beef Council, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics