Let's dive into it...
- Grass-fed and Grass-finished beef is 20% lower in calories than grain-finished beef. It has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, CLA’s (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — an essential fatty acid that fights cancer and inhibits body fat), and Vitamins A and E.
- Grass-fed and Grass-finished beef contains high levels of metabolites and phytonutrients. There are over 26,000 phytonutrients found in plants. We now know that the more diversified grass and forage sources in the animal's diet, the more metabolites become bioavailable to the human body, which keeps our cells healthy & functioning correctly, resulting in a healthy diet.
- Flavor profile: Grass-fed and Grass-finished beef is known to be some of the most nutrient-dense and, for this reason, also tends to be more flavorful to the human palette.
Consuming nutrient-dense foods as part of a whole-food balanced diet consisting of biologically appropriate proteins such as red meat, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates contributes positively to overall health and well-being. Benefits include:
- Reduced high blood pressure
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved digestion
- Balanced Gut-Microbiome
It's important to note that there are over 28 forms of CLA. The main dietary sources of CLA are found in the meat protein and milk of cows, goats, sheep, and ruminants.
Most people already ingest some CLA through their diet, but nutritionists and Functional Medicine specialists have seen a deficiency of CLA in strict vegan diets along with other mineral deficiencies due to the rise of highly processed foods that lack essential nutrients and the proper amount of nutrients per serving. Often Vitamin B12 is recommended to provide additional energy sources.
Those on strict vegan diets can try to source CLA from white button mushrooms, pomegranate seed oil, safflower, and sunflower oil. but many oils should be avoided, including Corn oil, Canola, Cottonseed Oil, Soy Oil, Safflower oil, Grapeseed oil, and Rice bran oil, according to many physicians, nutritionists, and nurses.
Dr. Mark Hyman published an article and releasedepisode 456 on What's The Beef With Beef? Is There Meat That Is Good For You And The Planet? that's worth the listen. Scott Lively and Dr.Hyman discuss conscious meat-eating, more specifically beef, and the nuances that come with it. More importantly, he discusses Big Beef's challenges in a saturated market and how it affects consumers' ability to source high-quality protein properly.
We will publish another blog focused on cooking oils and healthy fats to pair with your Carter Country Meats' grass-fed and grass-finished beef in the coming weeks. Please share your nutrient-density recipes, experiences, and more with us on social!
Be sure to check out our Big Horn Boxes today & consider subscribing to support a nutrient-dense food model today. Please share this article to help educate your family, friends , and community.
