Comparative evaluation of the cholesterol and fatty acid profile of some beef cuts

Background: Beef is widely consumed across the globe, but its nutritional content, especially cholesterol and fatty acids, varies significantly based on the cut and cooking method used. Objectives: This study focused on the comparative evaluation of cholesterol and fatty acid profiles in different cuts of beef, including lean steak, liver, and sirloin, when prepared through boiling and roasting methods. Methods: Beef samples were obtained from local and butcher shops in Marian and Watt markets. Each sample was carefully collected, labeled, and identified with information regarding its source, date of collection, and type of cut. The fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography, and the cholesterol content was determined using the Lieberman-Burchard method. Results: The findings showed significant variations in both cholesterol and fatty acid content (both in mg/100g) across the beef cuts prepared with different cooking methods. There was significant difference in the cholesterol content (in mg/100g) of steak when boiled (68.53±0.03), roasted (68.53±0.03), oil fried (74.78±0.02) and air fried (72.61±0.02). Boiled sirloin had significantly lower content of the saturated fatty acids, compared to the air fried and oil fried one. Roasted sirloin had an outstanding content of the important omega-6 called linoleic acid (18.13 ± 0.01) compared to oil fried sirloin which recorded the lowest value (5.45 ± 0.01). Conclusions: This confirms that boiling is a healthier cooking method for meats – yielding less SFA content and more unsaturated fats; this is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Air frying is also preferable to oil frying, as it recorded moderate cholesterol content of the beef cuts and lower SFAs.