We’re sure you’ve heard the age-old phrase “you are what you eat”, but as it turns out, it doesn’t only apply to us. How and what cows are fed actually has a significant effect on the nutrient composition of their beef. Not all cows are fed the same - some are grass fed and some are grain fed. Grass fed cows are granted the freedom to graze on grass throughout their lifespan, whereas grain fed cows are fed a soy and corn-based diet for 50 to 120 days at the end of their life. For beef to be ‘certified pasture fed’, the cows had to have free roam on a pasture for their entire life-span. The cattle that qualify are also certified as free from any nasties, such as antibiotics and growth hormones. Conversely, grain fed cows are regularly spoon fed growth hormones to help increase their weight at the end of their life, even though they have been grass fed since birth.
What’s the Nutritional Difference?
Protein and fat are the main puzzle pieces that make up all beef . But, grass fed is loaded with high-quality vitamins including B12, B3, B6 and is rich in highly bioavailable iron, selenium and zinc. This high quality protein source also has creatine and carnosine which are building blocks for brain function and protein. But, there are the significant differences between grass fed and grain fed cows.
In comparison to grain-fed beef, grass fed beef may have:
- An increased content of antioxidants which prevents or slows damage to cells in the body;
- Larger amounts of Vitamin E which can boost immune function and help to prevent clots forming in the heart arteries;
- A healthier profile of fatty acids including Monounsaturated Fat, Omega-6 Polyunsaturated fats and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). This fat profile of grass fed beef in varying quantities has a multitude of health benefits which could reduce heart disease risk and aid weight loss;
- Up to 5 times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 can improve eye health, help with depression and anxiety plus promote brain health in all stages of life, including pregnancy.
Can Beef Impact the Environment?
Well, yes! But, there could be many potential benefits to grass fed beef over grain fed. Due to the grass fed cattle being on pasture throughout their life, they are able to contribute to ecosystem regeneration. This could mean restoration of soil microbial diversity, helping the land become more resilient to droughts and floods. Therefore, this can boost the nutrient contents and flavour found within livestock and plants.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Well, it’s up to you and your personal preference! Ultimately, grass fed beef can be a great source of protein and fats with added nutritional benefits compared to grain fed. It is also better for the environment and makes sure those cows are treated fairly throughout their life. It’s also important to know the nutritional information of beef for specific diets. A ketogenic diet relies heavily on high-quality fats to help brain function; therefore, it would be beneficial for an individual living a keto lifestyle to choose grass fed beef over grain fed. Nourish’d is also 100% preservative free. If we are serving beef that potentially has unnatural qualities from the cow feed this would align with the Nourish’d ethos. If you want to incorporate more grass fed beef into your diet click here to view the Nourish’d menu! We have a range of healthy, balanced meals that include grass fed beef. Beef Cheek Ragu, Beef Stroganoff, Beef Massaman and our Classic Roast Beef are available. Cut off for ordering is 5pm every Thursday - order now.
Other Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef#differences
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/monounsaturated-fats
- https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/08/13/746576239/is-grass-fed-beef-really-better-for-the-planet-heres-the-science
- https://www.vicsmeatmarket.com.au/post/what-s-the-difference-between-grass-fed-and-grain-fed-beef#:~:text=Grain%20fed%20beef%20comes%20from,in%20a%20grass%20fed%20environment.
- https://online.vicsmeat.com.au/blogs/the-chefs-weekly/whats-the-difference-between-grass-fed-and-grain-fed-beef?gclid=CjwKCAjwhYOFBhBkEiwASF3KGVNeBVC8RnQt93RZNav6sfv0lmrUtUCCqpp0s6lErYihtP2vybi7khoCUUcQAvD_BwE
As a seasoned nutrition expert and enthusiast, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise in the field of food science and its impact on health. My knowledge spans various dietary approaches, and I've closely followed research on the nutritional differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef. This expertise is rooted in an in-depth understanding of the intricate relationships between livestock diets, nutrient composition, and their implications for human health.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Cattle Diets: Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed
- Grass-fed cows graze on grass throughout their lifespan, while grain-fed cows are fed a soy and corn-based diet for a specific period before slaughter.
- 'Certified pasture-fed' beef ensures that the cows had free roam on pasture for their entire life and are free from antibiotics and growth hormones.
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Nutritional Differences
- Grass-fed beef is rich in high-quality vitamins, including B12, B3, B6, and bioavailable minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc.
- Grass-fed beef contains creatine and carnosine, essential for brain function and protein synthesis.
- Compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef may have higher levels of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and a healthier fatty acid profile, including monounsaturated fats, omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, and CLA.
- Grass-fed beef can contain up to five times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids, offering benefits for eye health, depression, anxiety, and overall brain health.
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Environmental Impact
- Grass-fed cattle contribute to ecosystem regeneration by being on pasture throughout their lives.
- This practice can enhance soil microbial diversity, making the land more resilient to droughts and floods.
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Individual Preferences and Dietary Considerations
- The choice between grass-fed and grain-fed beef depends on personal preferences.
- Grass-fed beef is considered a great source of protein and fats with added nutritional benefits, and it aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
- For specific diets like ketogenic, where high-quality fats are crucial for brain function, choosing grass-fed beef is recommended.
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Additional Resources
- The article provides links to external resources for further information, including healthline.com articles on grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef and monounsaturated fats, as well as an NPR article on the science behind grass-fed beef's environmental impact.
- Vic's Meat Market is referenced for insights into the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.
In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and environmental aspects of grass-fed and grain-fed beef, empowering readers to make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and values.
