What are the health benefits of grass fed beef? by Daniel Patricio

Grass fed beef refers to beef that comes from cattle that have only ever eaten grass and other foraged foods throughout their lifetime. The alternative is grain fed beef, which is the traditional diet of cattle and includes grains such as corn. The biggest difference between the two lies in the types of nutrients and healthy fats that a person gets from eating the different types of beef. There are many more health benefits to consuming grass fed beef over grain fed beef.

Grass fed beef contains less total fat than grain fed beef

A sirloin steak from a grass fed steer has about one third to one half the amount of fat as the same cut of steak from a grain fed steer. Grass fed beef contains roughly the same amount of fat as skinless chicken. Because it is so lean, grass fed meat lowers calorie intake and cholesterol levels.

A 6-ounce steak from a grass fed steer has 100 fewer calories than a 6-ounce steak from a grain fed steer. Based on the average amount of annual beef consumption, switching to grass fed beef would save you roughly 17,733 calories per year.

Grass fed beef contains more omega-3 fatty acids than grain fed beef

While grassfed beef is low in saturated fats, it actually contains 2-6 times more omega-3s than grain fed beef. The reason for this is that omega-3s are formed in the green leaves of plants. Omega-3s, which are a “good” type of fat, are vital for heart health. People who have more of it in their diet are less likely to have high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat, and are 50 per cent less likely to have a heart attack. Omega-3s also reduce your risk of cancer.

Grass fed beef contains more linoleic acid and vitamin E than grain fed beef

Another type of fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is also found in higher levels in grass fed animals. Grass fed animals contain 5 times more CLA than grain fed animals. CLA is a cancer defense as it reduces tumor growth.

Grass fed beef also has 4 times more Vitamin E than grain fed beef, and Vitamin E is linked to both a lower risk of cancer and a lower risk of heart disease.

Our biltong is made with 100 per cent grass fed beef, giving it a great taste, but also keeping it low in fat and high in nutrients. Head over to our biltong store to try it out today!