Dale Mayo, February 10, 2022
We’ve known for more than a decade that grass fed beef has less fat and more nutrients than less expensive grain-fed beef and that grass fed beef has lower total saturated and mono-unsaturated fat. In addition, grass fed beef has more heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a lower (and healthier) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and higher levels of vitamin E, beta-carotene and B-vitamins.[1] While oily fish is the richest dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, red meat produced from grass-fed animals is also recognized as a source of omega-3s[2] and appears to provide about 50% more omega-3s than conventional grain fed beef.[3]
What is NOT found in grass fed organic beef may be as important as the nutrition it provides. Animals from factory farms are more prone to diseases spread from feed pumped with antibiotics.[4] According to Consumer Reports, in a study of 300 meat samples from conventional and grass fed beef, superbugs were found in 18% of conventional beef samples and only 6% of grass fed samples.
Where beef is mass-produced, cattle are usually fed grain, whereas grass fed cows eat (mostly) grass. Grass fed beef contains less fat than grain fed beef (therefore fewer calories).[5] According to a 2019 healthline article, the fatty acids are also different:
Grass fed beef that is also organic, provides nutritional benefits as well as omitting hormones and antibiotics. To be labeled organic meat by the US Department of Agriculture, regulations require that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.[10] According to a
The Cleveland Clinic provides a list of benefits of eating organic foods[11] (see below).
Protein helps you feel full when you’re following a Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle, so it’s important to choose the healthiest proteins available.
Grass fed beef provides lean protein, rich taste, and a path from farm to table that you can feel good about. Plus, both the Keto and Paleo diets recommend grass fed beef over grain or corn fed beef, so it’s important to find selections that work for you. Adding these cuts of grass fed beef to your menu and keeping an eye on our website for more recipe ideas, trends, and cooking tips can help you get started.[12]
For healthy proteins loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, Sizzlefish has added 100% natural grass-fed, hormone-free steaks, and ground beef to its omega-3-rich fish options already carried by sizzlefish (salmon, cod, trout, seafood collections).
[1] https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/a-meat-eaters-guide-to-climate-change-health-what-you-eat-matters/why-go-organic-grass-fed-and-pasture-raised/
[2] McAfee, A., McSorley, E., Cuskelly, G., Fearon, A., Moss, B., Beattie, J., Wallace, J.M.W., Bonham, M.P., and Strain, J. (2011). Red meat from animals offered a grass diet increases plasma and platelet n-3 PUFA in healthy consumers. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(1), 80-89. doi:10.1017/S0007114510003090
[3] https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/advice/2021/06/10/dr-roach-grass-fed-beef-best-source-omega-fatty-acid/116925656/
[4] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grass-fed-vs-organic-meat-whats-the-difference/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24018274/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24018274/
[7] McAfee, A., McSorley, E., Cuskelly, G., Fearon, A., Moss, B., Beattie, J., Wallace, J.M.W., Bonham, M.P., and Strain, J. (2011). Red meat from animals offered a grass diet increases plasma and platelet n-3 PUFA in healthy consumers. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(1), 80-89. doi:10.1017/S0007114510003090
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22062051/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17490954/
[10] https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means
[11] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17668-organic-foods
[12] https://grassrunfarms.com/blog/why-grass-fed-beef-is-ideal-for-your-keto-paleo-or-whole30-diet/