Short Answer- You may have been told that “meat is meat”, but in fact an animal’s diet can have a profound impact on the nutrient content of its product. The end result of raising animals on pasture (as in grass-fed beef) is healthier meat for your family.
Pasture Raised
Since the late 90’s, there has been a small but growing movement of ranchers that stopped sending their animals to large commercial feedlots to be fattened up on soy, grain, and other (questionable) supplements. Instead, these ranchers keep their animals at pasture where they can eat their native diet in a low-stress environment. In addition, the cows are not treated with hormones or growth-promoting additives, so they can grow at a normal pace.
Health Benefits
A major benefit of raising animals this way is it results in a more nutritious piece of meat. Grass-fed products tend to be much lower in total fat than grain-fed products. And although grass-fed meat is lower in “bad” fats (like saturated fat), it is 2-6 times higher in a type of “good” fat called omega-3 fatty acids. Grass-fed beef is also richer in antioxidants (vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
It may be a little more pricey than grain-fed beef, but we think grass-fed is worth it. By choosing to eat meat from animals raised on pasture, you are improving the welfare of the animals, helping reduce environmental damage, and keeping small-scale ranchers in business. Plus, your family gets the health benefits of grass-fed. If you eat meat, it’s a win-win situation.
Read More about grass-fed beef and how to be sure you’re buying the real deal.
