A steak and potato burrito contains several nutrients that are important for your overall health. A homemade version might be healthier because you have more control over the ingredients used than when you purchase one at a restaurant. Steak and potato burritos are easy to prepare and can be warmed up for breakfast on a busy morning or for dinner when time is tight. They also make a good addition to your lunchbox.
Fiber
Potatoes and tortillas, two of the main ingredients in a steak and potato burrito, contain fiber. Adequate fiber intake aids in regular digestion and can help control cholesterol levels. In addition, fiber can help you control your appetite because it digests slowly, keeping you feeling full for a few hours. A burrito made with an ounce of sirloin steak, a small potato and a 6-inch tortilla contains about 4 g of fiber. Larger tortillas increase the fiber content; a 12-inch tortilla has about 3 g of additional fiber. Choosing a whole-wheat tortilla might add additional fiber to your burrito as well. Women need 22 to 28 g of fiber each day, and men need 28 to 34 g daily.
Potassium
A burrito made with a 6-inch tortilla, an ounce of sirloin steak and a small potato add up to a meal with about 893 mg of potassium. This nutrient plays a role in blood pressure regulation, muscle and bone contraction, and healthy digestion. The daily recommended intake is 2,000 mg, making a steak and potato burrito a good way to meet this goal. Potassium content increases if you use larger tortillas and add extra fillings.
Iron
Women should get 18 mg of iron per day and men need 8 mg; a steak and potato burrito adds about 3 to 7 mg, depending on the size of your burrito. Iron is a mineral your body uses to transport oxygen throughout your blood and body. A deficiency could result in anemia, which produces symptoms that include weakness and fatigue. Iron is better absorbed when eaten with foods that contain vitamin C, so topping your burrito with tomato salsa could increase your absorption.
Protein
Protein keeps your skin, hair, nails, muscles and cells healthy, and your daily calorie intake should be made up of 10 to 35 percent protein, which is 50 to 175 g per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. The size of a steak and potato burrito determines the protein content, but one made with a 6-inch tortilla, an ounce of sirloin and a small potato contains about 14 g of protein.
Fat and Calories
A steak and potato burrito can contain a large amount of fat and calories, which could contribute to weight gain and heart disease. However, a small one can be a healthy addition to a well-balanced meal plan. A burrito made with a 6-inch tortilla, a small potato and an ounce of sirloin steak contains about 270 calories and about 4 g of fat.
Calcium
Many burritos contain cheese, which will add fat, calories, protein, iron and potassium to a steak and potato burrito. Cheese also contains calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth. An ounce of cheddar cheese adds 204 mg of calcium to the 66 g present in a steak and potato burrito. Daily calcium intake recommendations are 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day.
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