I spend a lot of time thinking about what we eat. But until recently, I hadn’t stopped to really think about what my food was eating or not eating. I did look for labels like organic, no hormones, no antibiotics, but that was pretty much the extent of it. Today, I know better. Our family has made the switch to all organic, grass-fed beef and pastured eggs and chicken, but for this post, I’m going to focus on why grass fed beef.
First of all, grass fed beef by definition is never fed any grain, corn or soybeans. It’s organic so it’s also never fed hormones or antibiotics. It’s as the name says – grass fed. Without getting into all the environmental benefits (which are many)…let’s spend a few minutes comparing grass fed and grain fed beef.
Grass Fed Beef
- Free of E. Coli 0157
- Less fat
- More Vitamin A
- More Vitamin E
- More beta-carotene
- Contains alpha-lipoic acid – essential for cell metabolism it also lowers blood sugar
- More CLA – powerful antioxidant reported to help prevent cancer, lower triglyceride and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- More Omega-3 fats – the good kind that helps lower triglycerides, increases HDL (good cholesterol) and reduces inflammation.
- No mad cow’s disease
Grain Fed Beef
- No CLA
- Unbalanced ratio of Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Can contain E. Coli 0157
When I first started researching the benefits of grass fed beef what really jumped out at me was what was missing from grain fed beef, specifically the vitamins, CLA and Omega-3s. I can’t help but make a connection in my own mind between what’s missing and the diseases that are often attributed to red meat. We still don’t eat a lot of meat, but when we do I believe that grass fed is the most nutritious option for our family.
Yes, it is more expensive, especially if you purchase it from a local grocery store. But there are other options. Seek out a local farmer that raises grass fed cows and pastured chickens. They usually offer a farm share for a monthly fee which entitles you to several cuts of beef, chicken, eggs and even soup bones. I’ve found this is the most affordable option in most cases. Many will also allow a la cart orders. Consider visiting the farm before you make your choice or ask friends for recommendations. We found our farm through a friend on Twitter. Farmer’s Markets are another great resource for grass fed beef. If all else fails, there are several companies that sell online including Tropical Traditions. But I think local is always best.
Have you tried grass fed beef? What do you think? Where do you buy it?
Hi Calie,
I found your blog through your guest posts on Faithful Provisions, and I love all that I am learning! After watching Food Inc., my husband and I recently switched to grass-fed beef, free-range and hormone-free chicken and pork. It is much more expensive, but we felt it was a necessary move. We buy our meat from a seller at our Farmer’s market just because I like to pick what we have each week. My parents get a cut of meat and fresh eggs with their CSA every week. My entire family loves it! I agree that shopping local is best if you can — you know how far your meat is coming from, and I really like supporting our local farmers. I feel so much better knowing what we’re eating, and in my opinion, it tastes better!
Hi Cassie – Thanks so much for your note. I agree that it tastes better. Do you mind sharing the names of the farms you and your parents buy from? I think everyone loves to hear good thigs about local farms and their options here in Middle Tennessee.
My husband and I use Delvin Farms (located in College Grove I believe), and my parents use Avalon Acres. Both are listed on the Nashville Farmer’s Market website and do various pick-up locations across Nashville. I’m not sure about Avalon Acres, but our produce is picked either the day before or the day of our pick up.