Organic Products: Grass Fed Cattle
July 21, 2010 Filed under Diet
Much of the cattle used to produce tasty, tender beef are fed with grass. The advantages of grass fed cattle are far superior to those consuming diets laced with chemicals and other additives. Believe it or not, these facts are upheld by hundreds of years’ worth of research, indicating that grass fed cattle are a far healthier choice.
Despite these odds, consumers must still take care to purchase meat from cattle which have been fed grass. Unless you do your research, you may be in for a surprise, as the effects of a cow’s diet on its meat are not minuscule. Research in nutrition journals demonstrates that meat from grass fed cattle has less fat. Far from being a minor health issue, the amount of fat in diets is a prime contributing factor to early heart disease and heart attacks.
Those who are keeping track of their cholesterol can have the peace of mind, knowing that grass fed cattle will be better for them. But it isn’t only the heart that is affected by choosing one type of beef over another. Vitamins A and E and other nutrients may be higher in the grass fed beef.
Of course, taste is another critical factor when selecting food. Fortunately, grass fed beef wins out here as well, as those who have tried it generally prefer it to the alternatives in taste tests, reporting that it tastes far superior to other types of beef. Not only did the food taste better, but those who ate it weren’t exposed to dangerous chemicals. While research along these lines is still ongoing, a growing body of evidence suggests that some of these hormones may be responsible for the earlier onset of puberty in many children. This is yet another powerful reason to choose grass fed beef.
Of course, use of chemicals and grains results in a higher fat content beef product that consumers are trained to regard as better. However, this move was not made with consumer health in mind, but rather as a cost-saving measure. As such, it is essential to be proactive in making healthy food choices, as many producers are generally focused on the bottom line rather than health.
Grass fed cattle typically are allowed to graze on healthy, organic land. This lets them feel less stress and that results in a better type of beef. They don’t generally get hormones and antibiotics (other than those required by law) and who wants to eat extra hormones and antibiotics? They aren’t necessary and may do far more harm than good for the average consumer. Even if some antibiotics are given to grass fed beef, they are generally far less than those given to other cattle. This can only be good for those buying the meat.
One issue of major concern when using antibiotics with cattle is the very real possibility that the animals will develop resistance to the medications. Once this happens, disease can spread through a herd and some of the cattle could be turned into beef products eaten by customers. That may even raise the risk of beef recalls. Grass fed cattle are far less likely to develop these types of resistances and the meat simply tests better, making it a win/win situation for the consumer.
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