The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of different quantities of lean beef (0.5, 2.5, 5.5 oz/day) on lipids, lipoproteins, and vascular health endpoints in the context of a modified Mediterranean dietary pattern that is representative of foods typically consumed in the United States.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dietary pattern, the USDA Food Pattern, and the American Heart Association (AHA) Diet are all recommended for the reduction of LDL-C and blood pressure, two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The recommended food-based dietary patterns emphasize consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains; include low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts; and limit intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and red meats. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has gained widespread popularity because of an impressive evidence base showing health benefits in the prevention of many chronic diseases including CVD. The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid recommends that red meat be consumed less than 2 servings per week, with an emphasis on lean cuts. However, as the BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) study has demonstrated, lean beef can be included in a heart healthy dietary pattern that achieves both low density lipoprotein and blood pressure-lowering effects. The BOLD study utilized beef consumption levels of 4 or 5.4 ounces of lean beef daily, which is significantly higher than the American average of app. 3 ounces per day. This study will evaluate three levels of beef in the context of a Mediterranean diet, compared to an Average American diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index between 20 and 40 kg/m2
• Non-smoker
• Fasting glucose ≤ 126 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria:

• Low HDL-C (<15th percentile of US population)
• Use of cholesterol lowering medications
• Elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure > 160 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure > 100 mm Hg) or use of medication to treat hypertension for less than 6 months
• Elevated triglycerides ( > 350 mg/dL)
• Active cardiovascular disease (such as a heart attack or procedure within the past six months or participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program within the last six months, stroke, or history/treatment for transient ischemic attacks in the past six months, or documented history of pulmonary embolus in the past six months)
• Presence of kidney disease, liver disease, gout, untreated or unstable hyper- or hypothyroidism, certain cancers, gastrointestinal disease, pancreatic disease, other metabolic diseases, or malabsorption syndromes
• Women who have given birth during the previous 12 months
• Pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant or become pregnant during the study
• Lactating women
• Weight loss of ≥ 10% of body weight within 6 months prior to enrolling in the study
• Smokers or use of any tobacco products in past 6 months
• Known (self-reported) allergy or adverse reaction to study foods
• History of eating disorders or other dietary patterns which are not consistent with the dietary intervention (e.g., vegetarians, very low fat diets, high protein diets)
• Unable or unwilling to give informed consent or communicate with study staff
• Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months and/or current acute treatment or rehabilitation program for these problems (long-term participation in Alcoholics Anonymous is not an exclusion)
• Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgment of the Principal Investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow the intervention protocol