Grass-fed beef offers a rich supply of healthful omega-3 fatty acids.
A recent research paper published in the journal Future Foods - A Dedicated Journal for Sustainability in Food Science on March 8, 2021, has shed light on the nutritional benefits of grass-fed beef. The study, titled "Forage-fed cattle point the way forward for beef", compared steaks from cattle fed solely on diverse pasture and forage with those from conventionally reared and organic cattle.
The research findings support the practices of Pasture for Life farmers, indicating their meat is of high nutritional quality. The study was conducted by the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association, which is responsible for the Pasture for Life meat and dairy certification standards.
The study showed clear differences between the concentration of good long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the less desirable omega-6 fatty acids in the meat between the cattle diets. Grass-fed beef contains significantly higher amounts of omega-3s compared to grain-fed beef. Omega-3s are essential for cardiovascular and brain health and help reduce chronic inflammation.
The ratio of the omega-6 to omega-3 is much poorer for grain-fed beef at 7:1 compared to a healthier 2:1 for beef from 100% pasture-fed cattle. A deficiency of these omega-3 fats contributes to a wide range of adverse mental and physical health conditions, including coronary heart disease.
Higher CLA levels in grass-fed beef are linked to anti-inflammatory effects, improved body composition, and potential immune benefits. Grass-fed beef also has elevated levels of vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, lutein, and various B vitamins, which support antioxidant defenses, eye health, and immune function.
Grass-fed beef is leaner, meaning it has less total fat and fewer calories per serving, which may assist in weight management and further reduce inflammation. It is richer in essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium, contributing to overall nutritional value.
Additionally, cattle raised on certified grass-fed programs often avoid antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides used in grain-fed systems, reducing exposure to potentially harmful residues.
Jimmy Woodrow of the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association states that the quality of the meat consumers eat is directly impacted by what animals eat. Certified farmers of Pasture for Life beef could make a nutritional claim when selling their beef, as it qualifies as a 'source for omega-3 fatty acids' under European Food Standards.
In summary, certified grass-fed beef stands out nutritionally for its favorable fatty acid profile, richer vitamin and mineral content, and leaner composition compared to grain-fed beef. This may contribute to improved health when included as part of a balanced diet.
[1] Pasture-Fed Livestock Association. (2021). The Nutritional Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef. Retrieved from https://www.pasturefedliverpool.co.uk/the-nutritional-benefits-of-grass-fed-beef/
[2] Schmid, M. (2019). The omega-3 index: a marker of cardiovascular health. British Journal of Nutrition, 121(S2), S1-S7.
[3] Dhiman, I. S., & Arora, S. (2011). Dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid in humans: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition Reviews, 69(2), 110-124.
[4] Upton, R. (2015). Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef: what's the difference? Retrieved from https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef-whats-the-difference/
- The research published in Future Foods - A Dedicated Journal for Sustainability in Food Science reveals that grass-fed beef contains significantly higher amounts of health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef.
- Grass-fed beef, as a result of its richer vitamin and mineral content, especially high concentrations of antioxidant vitamins A and E, could offer additional benefits to overall health-and-wellness beyond its nutritional benefits.
- A balanced diet that includes certified grass-fed beef, renowned for its leaner composition and higher levels of essential minerals such as zinc and selenium, may contribute to improved fitness-and-exercise performance and overall health.
