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CLA is concentrated in the fat, so fattier meats will have more than leaner meats. [3] [] []Grain- and grass-fed beef have similar amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, and grass-fed beef contains less monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef. Grain-fed cuts of
Angus beefMore Nutrition in Grass-Fed BeefGrain- and grass-fed beef both provide important health-boosting
nutrients like
vitamins B12, B3, B6, C, and K2, as well as selenium, zinc, and iron. [6] Beef of any kind contains carnosine, creatine, and high-quality protein, which is crucial for your brain and for building muscle. The winner on the nutrition front is grass-fed or grass-finished beef, which is higher in certain nutrients, such as:Vitamin E: An important vitamin for reproduction and vision health and an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidation. Vitamin A: Grass-fed beef provides carotenoid precursors to vitamin A, including beta carotene, which is known to protect vision. Remember vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and largely stored in the fat of the animal. Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef usually provides more antioxidants. [7]Different Effects on the EnvironmentCattle that graze and roam freely can increase the carbon-carrying capacity of the soil and restore crucial nutrients to depleted soil.
Properly raised cows have a minimal negative effect on the environment and can actually improve the environment. Proponents of grass-fed beef point out that monoculture crops, such as corn and soybeans grown to feed grain-fed cattle, destroy topsoil and increase greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
This way of agriculture also increases water retention and promotes cleaner and safer water runoff, as well as boosting local economies with family farming and preserving traditional indigenous farming practices. Locally grown produce also generally has a lower carbon footprint. [8]What About Organic?Feeding grass to a free-range cowOrganic is a label that means the cow was raised on certified organic land without synthetic pesticides, GMOs (genetically modified foods), or fertilizers. The organic certification also means the cows must be fed a diet free of antibiotics and hormones and have outdoor access to graze in the sunshine on a pasture all year round. Organic cows are considered healthier. Remember, organic doesn’t necessarily mean grass-fed, and grass-fed doesn’t necessarily mean organic, so it’s helpful to look for both labels if you’re interested in consuming beef that was both organic pasture-raised and grass-fed.