Health Benefits of Grass-fed Beef
Eating beef is essential to maintaining a healthy diet. Beef is a significant source of protein and essential amino acids. It also contains vitamins and minerals that are commonly deficient in people across the world like vitamin A, iron, and zinc (Source). While all beef consumption provides these benefits, we have come to find that grass-fed and grass-finished cattle raised in a regenerative way is a superior form of raising beef.
Grass-fed beef is produced from cows that have been fed grass and forage, as opposed to beef that was finished on grain. A grass-fed cow is usually more lean and contains a higher amount of essential nutrients. It is important to note that when the term “grass-fed” is used it means that the cow has been fed forages and varieties of grasses and plants, not just one type. The difference between grass-fed, and grass-finished is also an important distinction. These terms are telling you whether the cow was fed grass throughout its life, or only in its last few months before being butchered. Grass-fed and grass-finished cattle become truly flavorful and nutritious beef.
There are a few key differences in grain-fed and grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is lower in calories and saturated fat. Grass-fed beef also contains two to four times more omega-3 than grain-fed beef (Source). Omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in grass-fed beef are well suited to reducing body inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Additionally grass-fed beef is an excellent source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat with anti-cancer properties.
As previously mentioned, beef that is finished on grass and other forages are also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that aids in the prevention of cell damage, is abundant in grass-fed beef. Additionally, it is a good source of iron, which aids in oxygen transport throughout the body, and vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining healthy nerve function. Grass-fed beef is an excellent source of zinc, which is necessary for wound healing and immune function.
Grass-fed beef is also more ecological, regenerative, and humane than conventional beef. Typically, cattle raised on pasture do not have the same problems that are found in conventional beef production, such as intensive confinement and feedlot conditions. The living conditions on a ranch or on open pasture allow the cow a more stress-free lifestyle. In addition, grass-fed cattle are a sustainable asset to the environment. Grass-fed cattle that are raised on pasture actually help replenish the nutrients in the soil. By putting cattle on pasture, allowing them to graze that piece of land, and then rotating them to new pasture, plants are constantly dying and new growth appears. While an abundance of CO2 in the air contributes to climate concerns, this process of grazing and pasture growth reduces the CO2 in the atmosphere because the plants are constantly drawing it in. Having cattle on land is regenerative for the soil, and for the air. Grass-fed beef means benefits for human health and the environment.
If you are looking for grass-fed beef at the store, it is essential to look for labels indicating that the beef has been certified as grass-finished by a reputable organization when purchasing grass-finished beef. A grass-fed label issued by the USDA demonstrates that the animal's diet consisted primarily of forage throughout its lifetime. Based on their standards, other organizations, such as the Food Alliance (FA) and the American Grassfed Association (AGA), certify grass-fed products.
Finding a reputable source of grass-fed and grass-finished beef can be challenging, but many people think it's worth it for the health and ethical advantages grass-fed beef provides. Grass-fed beef is sold in some grocery stores, but farmers' markets and specialty stores may offer it more readily. Buying meat from a local farmer or rancher is a great way to get the beef you want and be able to ask questions about how it was raised and fed throughout its life. This is a great way to find a reliable source of meat that is healthy and sustainable for you and your family.
It is essential to keep in mind that protein and the other vitamins and minerals that come from beef are essential to maintain a healthy diet. Beef is nutrient-packed with vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get from other sources. Nutrients in beef are uniquely bioavailable and readily absorbed in the body. While we believe that grass-fed beef is a superior option, we think that all beef will provide nutritional benefits that will help you and your family maintain a healthy diet. According to “Defending Beef,” a book by Nicolette Niman, a 3-ounce piece of grain-finished beef provides the following percentage of the US recommended daily allowance of the following nutrients:
- Protein: 23 grams (45% of the recommended daily allowance)
- Minerals: 13% of your iron needs, 5% of your magnesium needs, 42% of your zinc needs, 4% of your copper needs.
- B Vitamins: 54% of your needed B12, and 14% of your B6 needs.
In conclusion, grass-fed beef is a nutritious, sustainable, and healthful source of protein. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals and saturated fats. You can enjoy the flavor and health benefits of grass-fed beef today by seeking grass-fed beef in stores or through a local farmer.