Top sirloin steak comes from the sirloin subprimal near the rear of the cow. Butchers divide this cut into two sections, the top and bottom. Naturally, top sirloin comes from the upper section which tends to be more tender than the bottom. Still, it’s firmer than some other steaks because it comes from an exercised area, giving it just the right amount of chew for some steak enthusiasts.
An ideal steak for grilling and pan-searing, the top sirloin
Top Sirloin Nutritional Facts
Here’s a glimpse of top sirloin steak’s nutritional breakdown. This information is based on data from the USDA’s FoodData Central database for a 100-gram serving of top sirloin. That’s slightly larger than the recommended three-ounce serving of steak at about 3.5 ounces.
- Calories: 149
- Total Fat: 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 22.8 g
- Phosphorus: 206 mg
- Selenium: 21.3 mcg
Like other steaks, top sirloin is high in protein, has zero carbs, and is an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need in your diet every day.
The Good
Steak like top sirloin has a lot of positive things going for it in terms of nutrition. Here are a few of the best reasons to include top sirloin in your repertoire of meals.
Relatively Low in Sodium
While sodium is an essential nutrient (it’s considered an electrolyte that helps keep you hydrated), most people don’t need much of it for it to work effectively. Eating too much sodium can increase blood pressure as it raises the fluid levels in your body, which is bad news for your kidneys and heart.
While other cuts of steak range in the 60-80 mg level for sodium, top sirloin sits at 45 mg for a 100-gram serving. It seems like a small reduction considering that the American Heart Association recommends a max of 1,500 mg a day. However, when you think about everything that has sodium in it — bread, cereal, soup, salad dressings, and soda — it’s easy to see why it’s important to watch your intake.
A Lean, Low-Carb Protein Boost
For most people, steak eaten in moderation can be a healthy part of their diet. Top sirloin is one of the leaner cuts, which makes it an even better beef option for some people than fattier cuts. After all, too much fat in your diet can raise cholesterol levels, which can be a problem for anyone at risk of heart disease.
Saturated and trans fat — both considered unhealthy fats — are some of the prime culprits of higher cholesterol. But, a 100-gram serving of top sirloin has only 2.6 grams of saturated fat and 6.4 grams of total fat.
Add to that the fact that it’s high in protein, which you need to repair and build fat-burning muscle, and has zero carbohydrates, and you’ve got yourself a tasty piece of meat to add to a balanced meal.
Good Source of Selenium and Phosphorus
Selenium is a nutrient with antioxidant properties that is known to support immune and thyroid health. A small 100-gram serving of top sirloin steak adds 21.3 mcg to your diet. Most adults only need 55 mcg a day, so you’ll get most of your daily intake from just one piece of top sirloin.
Top sirloin steak is also a good source of phosphorus, giving 206 mg in one serving. Most adults 19 and older need about 700 mg daily. This nutrient is essential for bone and teeth health, and it supports kidney processes and metabolism.
The Not-So-Good
As we mentioned, top sirloin can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. That’s true for so many foods we enjoy, though.
If you stick with a recommended serving of three ounces of top sirloin, you’ll get the nutrients you need without adding a bunch of calories and fat to your diet. One serving has less than 150 calories and just a small amount of sodium and fat.
However, try to steer away from adding extra salt to your steak to keep it as heart-healthy as possible. Doing so can easily put you close to the maximum recommended amount of sodium for the day.
Otherwise, consider top sirloin as a once-a-week or biweekly option. Add other healthy foods to your meal, like a salad or vegetable side dishes that bring extra nutrients to the table.
Conclusion: Is Top Sirloin Steak the Right Fit for Your Diet?
When you’re ready to incorporate top sirloin into your meal planning for the week, consider ordering from Chicago Steak Company. Our premium top sirloin steaks will keep your mouth watering with their tasty flavor while giving you a low-fat way to enjoy steak. Order today and get your steaks delivered to your home in just a few business days.