Nutritionist Near Me | Why grass fed meat is better for your health

Nutritionist Near Me | If you agree that the type of food you eat determines the quality of nutrients that fuel your body; then it shouldn’t be too big of a stretch that the type of food cows eat determine the type of meat that they produce. Nutritionists agree that the type of food that is fed to cows determine the nutritional composition of its meat, milk, and other byproducts. Grass-fed cattle have the nutritional advantage over grain-fed cattle, here’s why.

Grass-fed, grain-fed, what’s the difference?

Historically cattle have grazed large pasture lands and roamed freely. However, today cattle are raised quite differently. Majority of the cattle in the U.S. are raised on massive feeding lots called concentrated feeding operations. Cattle raised on these type of lots are confined to small spaces, and the main source of their food comes from grain, soy, or corn, which are not natural food sources for cattle. Grass-fed cattle have a very different upbringing. Cattle farms that raise grass-fed beef are only fed their mother’s milk and forage, which entails grass and other greens during their lifetime. Most grass-fed cattle are allowed to roam around freely and do not use potentially harmful substances such as steroids, pesticides, and antibiotics. The use of chemicals in livestock have been found to cause harmful effects on humans when any of their products are consumed.

Benefits of grass-fed beef

Many individuals say that grass-fed beef tastes better, more importantly, it is more nutritionally dense. The drastic contrast of environments between grass-fed and grain-fed beef affects the molecular composition of the cattle’s meat, milk, and other dairy products. The main nutritional advantage between grass-fed cows and grain-fed cows takes place in its fat and fatty acid content. According to a study performed by Elswyk and Mcneill, compared to grain-fed cows, grass-fed cattle are leaner and contain less total fat. Grass-fed cows also have a higher quality fatty acid composition, containing up to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed cows.

Why is this so important? Well, omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits including preventing heart disease, promoting brain health, improving metabolism and fighting inflammation. Grass-fed cows also contain higher levels of a specific omega-6 fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid. This fatty acid has been found to improve metabolic health and lower the risk of various other diseases. There are more benefits to grass-fed cows than just its superior fatty acid content. Grass-fed beef also contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants. The nutritional advantages that grass-fed beef has over grain-fed beef make it not only a high-quality protein source but also nutritionally advantageous. 

If you eat meat, choosing grass-fed beef over grain-fed beef is just one way to improve your health.  If you would like to learn more about other natural ways to improve your health through nutrition, consider a consult with a nutritionist in Overland Park KS, who can assist you. A treatment plan will be created to help increase nutrition and improve your overall health.