Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef
Grass is a low-starch, high-protein fibrous food, in contrast to carbohydrate-rich, low-fiber corn and soybeans. When animals are 100% grass-fed, their meat is not only lower in saturated fats but also slightly higher in omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats found in salmon and flaxseed, which studies indicate may help prevent heart disease and bolster the immune system.
When cattle are taken off grass, to be fattened on grain in a feedlot, they immediately begin losing omega-3s that have been stored in their tissues. Consequently, the meat from feedlot cattle loose up to 85% of the omega-3s that are contained in grass-fed beef.Grass fed beef have higher levels of CLA’s (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). Which, research indicates, CLA’s help fight breast cancer, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Another benefit is that grass fed beef contains elevated levels of vitamins A and E. These two vitamins are antioxidants, which increase resistance to disease.
"Grass-fed meat is beef with benefits," says nutritionist Kate Clancy, author of a recent Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report.
Clemson University Study Finds 10 Health Advantages of Grass Fed Beef:
- Lower in total fat.
- Higher in beta-carotene.
- Higher in Vit. E (alpha-tocopherol).
- Higher in B vitamins and riboflavin.
- Higher in the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Higher in total Omega-3's.
- Healthier ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fats.
- Higher in CLA (potent cancer fighting qualities).
- Higher in Vaccenic Acid (which is converted by the body to CLA).
- Lower in saturate fats linked with heart disease.
S. K. Duckett, J. P. S. Neel, J. P. Fontenot, and W. M. Clapham Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: III. Tissue proximate, fatty acid, vitamin, and cholesterol content J Anim Sci 2009 87: 2961-2970.