Benefits of Angus Beef What makes grass-fed beef healthier? Real Beef is Grass-Fed Beef Major Source of Omega 3 fats & Green Grass-fed meat is lean and lower in calories. A 6 oz. steak from a grass-finished steer has almost 100 fewer calories than a 6 oz. steak from a grain-fed steer. Why should YOU be eating grass fed beef? Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner than grain-fed beef. Omega 3s in beef that feed on grass is 7% of the total fat content, compared to 1% in grain-only fed beef. Grass-fed beef has the recommended ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fats (3:1.) Grass-fed beef is loaded with other natural minerals and vitamins, plus it’s a great source of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) a fat that reduces the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes, and a number of immune disorders. Beef, in its natural grass-fed state, is a health food of the highest order. (5,6) Grass fed beef has a much smaller carbon footprint than grain fed. In humans, vitamin E is linked with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. This potent antioxidant may also have anti-aging properties. Extra Omega-3s Although grass-fed meat is low in “bad” fat (including saturated fat), it gives you two to six times more of a type of “good&” fat called “omega-3 fatty acids.” Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in every cell and system in your body. For example, of all the fats, they are the most “heart friendly.” People who have ample amounts of omega-3s in their diet are less likely to have high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Remarkably, they are 50 percent less likely to have a serious heart attack.3 Omega-3s are essential for your brain as well. People with a diet rich in omega-3s are less likely to be afflicted with depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder (hyperactivity), or Alzheimer’s disease.4 The reason that grass-fed animals have more omega-3s than grain-fed animals is that omega-3s are formed in the green leaves (specifically the chloroplasts) of plants. Sixty percent of the fat content of grass is a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic or LNA. Cattle Raising: The Details – more than you need to know No growth hormones or steroids No antibiotics (used in rare cases to treat severe cattle infections such as foot rot, pink eye or pneumonia) Not confined Pasture raised – pastures sectioned for grazing rotation of 200 acres What the cattle eat: Entirely grass / pasture diet during non-winter months (when there’s grass, duh) Winter months (Dec-Mar): grass / pasture diet of brood cows is supplemented with hay, wheat midds and protein from composted broiler litter. These hard working nursing moms need extra during the cold period. Early age winter calves (Jan-Mar): cows milk is supplemented with grass/hay and a mix of grain, soybean husks and corn gluten to ensure a strong start to life and avoid disease. These calves will be off this ration at least 1.5 years before they are ready to sell. Grazing pastures: no pesticides or herbicides are used (most weeds are pulled and occasionally weeds (thistle) are spot treated with herbicide) Calves vaccinated against common bovine diseases and treated for worms (standard practice across cattle farms) Pesky cow flies (which can carry disease) are controlled using insecticide ear tags, direct application or face rub
