What is Grass-Fed Beef?
Grass-fed beef has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than traditional feedlot-raised beef, but it is also better for the human body. In this blog post, we will explore the 5 (with one bonus fact) benefits that grass-fed beef can have on the human body.
Grass-fed beef comes from cows that are allowed to graze on pasture for their entire lives. These cows are never given hormones or antibiotics, and their natural diet consists solely of grass, hay, and other forages. This contrasts with conventionally raised cattle, which are typically fed a diet of corn and soy in feedlots. Grass-fed beef is leaner than grain-fed beef and has a higher concentration of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef to the Human Body
1. More Nutritious
Grass-fed beef is a more nutritious option than conventional beef. It is higher in important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve brain and heart functionality. Grass-fed beef is also higher in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
2. Lower in Fats and Calories
Grass-fed beef is typically lower in total fat and calories than conventional beef, particularly when it comes to saturated fat. This is because grass-fed cattle are leaner than their grain-fed counterparts. In addition, grass-fed beef has a higher ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. This makes grass-fed beef jerky a great snack for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
3. Higher in Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. Many bodily functions such as hormone and energy production are made up of protein. These hormones play important roles in regulating metabolism, growth, and other functions in the body. Grass-fed beef is higher in protein than conventional beef, which can make it an excellent choice for athletes or individuals who are looking to build muscle. This is because grass fed cows are typically raised on pasture and tend to have more space to move around and graze. The increased physical activity helped them maintain lean muscle mass.
4. Free of Hormones and Antibiotics
One of the biggest concerns with conventionally raised cattle is the use of hormones and antibiotics. These substances are used to promote growth and prevent disease in the crowded conditions of feedlots. However, they can have negative effects on human health. For example:
- Exposure to pesticides, especially in large amounts, may result in neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer. Grass-fed beef is free from hormones and antibiotics, making it a safer and healthier option for consumers.
- Overuse of antibiotics, which are often use in animal agriculture to prevent and treat bacterial infections, can lead to the development of antibiotic bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans. This can make it more difficult to treat infections in people.
- Some chemicals used in animal agriculture, such as growth hormones, can potentially disrupt the hormones in humans who consume animal products. This could potentially lead to health issues such as early onset of puberty or increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Grass-fed beef is generally raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones, which can be harmful to human health. This means that grass-fed beef jerky is a healthier option for people who are concerned about the use of antibiotics and hormones in their food.
5. Better for the Environment
Grass-fed beef is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than conventional beef. Cows that are allowed to graze on pasture produce less waste and have a lower carbon footprint than those raised in feedlots, meaning less air pollution. In addition, the practice of rotational grazing can actually improve the health of the soil and help sequester carbon. As opposed to traditionally raised cows, grass fed cows are free from chemical and antibiotic use. Meaning, pollutants into the air and water are greatly decreased. Overall, they require less water and fewer resources to produce. This makes grass-fed beef a more sustainable snack option for environmentally conscious consumers.
6. May Help Prevent Disease
Research has suggested that grass-fed beef may have a number of health benefits that could help prevent certain diseases. For example, CLA, which is found in high concentrations in grass-fed beef, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, some types of cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.. In addition, grass-fed beef is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help support overall health.
Grass-fed beef is a healthier and more sustainable option than conventional beef. It is higher in important nutrients, lower in fat, and free from hormones and antibiotics. In addition, grass-fed beef is better for the environment and have a number of health benefits.