Grass-Fed Beef Benefits

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF GRASS-FED BEEF

When cows are fed a biologically appropriate diet, one that’s rich in vitamins and made for their body to process, the result is a healthy animal and a great-tasting final product. Touted as one of the best natural protein sources available, grass-fed beef is also a source rich in precursors of vitamins A and E and cancer-fighting antioxidants, when compared to grain-fed beef. On top of that, grass-fed beef is one of the top sources of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a powerful polyunsaturated fatty acid with potential cancer-fighting benefits. Additionally, CLA can discourage weight gain, and help build muscle.

Other well-known nutritional benefits associated with the consumption of grass-fed beef include:

• Grass-fed beef is high in omega-3 fats
• Less total fat
• More heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
• More conjugated linoleic acid, a type of fat that’s thought to reduce heart disease and cancer risks
• More antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E
• Often, conventional beef cattle eat a diet that includes grains, such as corn. The difference in the diets of the cattle changes the nutrients and fats you get from eating the different types of beef

GRASS-FED BEEF AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Not only is Grass-fed beef extremely beneficial for your personal health, it’s also better for the environment. While many people avoid beef and meat entirely because of environmental concerns, grass-fed and finished beef takes that reasoning off the table.

Traditional grass-based beef production and finishing have a surprisingly positive impact on the environment, with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, increased biodiversity of pasture ecosystems, and an improvement in the quality of run-off water from well-managed pastures.