The costume is owned and managed by the Minnesota CattleWomen with support from Minnesota Beef Cattle Industry organizations.
BEEFMAN is an exciting addition for educational activities, parades, children's activities, and other beef promotional events.
His important message to consumers is "ZIP" which stands for Zinc, Iron, and Protein. These three nutrients are especially important for girls and boys in their growing years.
Zinc is a mineral the human body needs to grow, learn, heal, and keep itself healthy. Zinc is also important for attention, short-term memory, and problem solving. Lean beef is one of the best sources of zinc.
Iron is another mineral important to human health. Iron is needed for the blood to carry oxygen to cells. Without enough iron humans get tired, weak and grouchy. Older girls need extra iron and only 40 percent get enough.
Protein is needed to build muscles, nerve tissue, blood, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and organs. Protein is needed to build, repair and maintain the body. Protein is made up of amino acids. About 20 different amino acids can be found in protein. The body makes all but 9 of these amino acids. These are considered essential amino acids. No single plant food contains all of these essential amino acids. Animal sources of protein do contain all 9 essential amino acids. Animal sources of protein are considered complete protein while plant sources of protein are considered incomplete.
