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Society has recently taken a health-conscious shift, as we see organic food on the rise and it is as if each day a new food is discovered to be linked to cancer. Among the many misconceptions circulating within the media is the statement that red meat is not good for you. Beef can be a part of any healthy diet, as long as you are educated on what is going into the animal before you eat it.

The diet of cattle, believe it or not, has a great impact on the nutrients and fats that a person who eats it receives. Grass-fed beef refers to the cattle that only consumes grass and other foraged food within its lifespan. Conventional beef is the beef that is most commonly used and most commonly referred to as unhealthy. This type of cattle consumes a diet consisting of primarily grains, such as corn.

When compared to conventional beef, grass-fed beef has been proven to contain:

• More omega-3 fatty acidsGrass-fed beef is two to four times richer in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Fats come in two forms, saturated and unsaturated, or the good kind and the bad kind. The body cannot function without both of them. Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fats which are not produced within the body, therefore we rely on the food we eat to supply sufficient amounts of omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth and may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of:
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Hypertension
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
• More vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin A and E
  
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  In general, beef is a very good source of vitamin B12 and an excellent source of protein. Studies show that vitamin E levels are up to three times higher and vitamin A levels are up to four times higher in grass-fed beef as compared to conventional beef.Most Americans are deficient in vitamin E, a key antioxidant in anti-aging properties, which has also been linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in bone growth and immune health.

   

• Less total fat
  Going back to the different kinds of fats, grass-fed beef is higher in the “good” unsaturated fats and lower in the “bad” saturated fats. In fact, eating moderate amounts of grass-fed meat for only 4 weeks will give you healthier levels of essential fats, according to a 2011 study in the British Journal of Nutrition. 
• Less calories
  
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You read that right! A 6-ounce grass-fed steak can have 100 fewer calories than the same steak from a grass-fed steer. According to Dr. Mercola, simply by switching to lean grass-fed beef, in one year you could save 17,733 calories and lose 6 pounds without changing anything else in your diet. 

In summary, grass-fed beef contains some heart-healthy benefits that other beef does not have. When considering a life change or going on a periodic diet, consider these facts before counting out beef altogether. Not only will your heart thank you, but also your taste buds! Many people report that grass-fed beef tastes even better than conventional beef!

With heart-healthy benefits and a great taste, what’s not to love? Think twice before you steer away from that juicy burger you’ve been craving!