Within the past couple of decades, consumer demand for grass-fed beef has skyrocketed. The question still arises: how much more beneficial is grass-fed beef?
Here are the top (5) reasons why you should swap out convention beef for local grass-fed beef.
1. HEALTHY COWS = HEALTHY BEEF
Most conventional cattle farms raise cows in unnatural conditions, locking them in crowded, dark stalls where they receive little to no sunshine and fresh air. Industrialized cattle usually consume a grain-based diet which causes the cows to become more susceptible to illnesses and creates the need for antibiotic use. However, grass-fed cattle raised on a regenerative farm, like Grassfield Farm, live as nature intended, spending every single day on lush pasture, basking in the sunshine and enjoying fresh air. Because our cows live naturally, they are less likely to get sick and have no need for antibiotics.100% grass-fed cows produce the most nutritious beef because the grass provides them with all of the nutrients they need to thrive and be healthy.
2. GRASS-FED BEEF HELPS SUPPORT HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Interestingly, grass-fed beef contains a beneficial fatty acid called CLA, which can help prevent diseases and conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that women who ate foods higher in CLAs showed a 60% reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
3. HEALTHIER OMEGA 3-OMEGA 6 RATIO
Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for the health of your brain and your heart.
Interestingly, a 1993 study by The Journal of Animal Science found that the heart-healthy Omega-3 EPA and DHA declined by half in just one month when feedlot cows were fed a grain-based diet. After six months on grain, the steer’s steak and burgers had virtually no Omega-3 fatty acids left (source). Grain-fed beef also has a 20 to 1 ratio of Omega-6 fatty acids, while 100% grass-fed beef is closer to a 3:1 ratio or lower. (An ideal diet has as close to a 1:1 ratio as possible).
On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids found in grass-fed beef can help reduce depression, increase focus, relieve joint pains, and has many other amazing benefits! (source).
4. GRASS-FED BEEF HAS LESS ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA.
Industrial cattle feed contains more antibiotics that you can imagine. Overtime, the bacteria in the animals become resistant to the antibiotics, and they pass the same bacteria with the resistant genes to humans. This becomes problematic when an antibiotic that formerly was able to alleviate infections no longer can perform optimally because the bacteria are completely resistant.
It's important to remember that bacteria, for the most part, is your friend. Most of the human body is made of bacteria; in fact, we're practically 99% bacteria and 1% human. Bacteria only becomes an issue when man-made antibiotic inventions interfere with the natural process of the animals and their lifestyle. Human beings actually have a stomach pH level of 1.5, which is even more acidic than most carnivores! Our bodies are designed to kill off any harmful toxins that enter the body, but this natural process can be inhibited when animals and their feeds are injected with an overload of unnatural antibiotics. (source).
The good news is that grass-fed beef farming requires no antibiotics EVER. At Grassfield Farm, we farm regeneratively and sustainably.
5. GRASS-FED BEEF HELPS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS
A Chinese proverb says that if a man would only sweep the outside of his own home, the entire world would be clean. Sometimes looking at problems at a global level can be frustrating and discouraging, but if you realize that you can think globally and act locally, the actions you take begin to appear more significant. You have the power to vote in better beef with your dollar.
By buying your grass-fed beef from local family farms, like Grassfield Farm, you are supporting an eco-friendly, animal welfare approved, 100% certified grass-fed beef operation that promotes healthier land, healthier animals, and a healthier you.