May 28, 2008

Grass Fed Meats are a Great Natural Source of Saturated Fats & Cholesterol

As more people are choosing healthier lifestyles, eating the right foods has become a top priority.  One area which has spawned renewed interest is grass fed meats.  They are a great natural source of saturated fats and cholesterol.  Let’s take a closer look at the benefits derived from grass fed meats.

Grass fed meats contains omega-3 fatty acids which are important in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression.   On the other hand, grain fed meats offer little in health benefits and studies have shown they contain none of the necessary vitamins and minerals found in grass fed meats.

Saturated fat in grass fed meats may lower cholesterol levels due to the content of stearic acid that is contained therein.   What is stearic acid?  Well, it is a saturated fat that can be found in chocolate, believe it or not.  It is also utilized in margarine and shortening.  When converted, it turns into monounsaturated fat.  This conversion is good news since studies have indicated that it has little if any effect on cholesterol levels.

While we normally produce cholesterol in our bodies, there are some individuals who inherently produce more than others.  The omega-3 fatty acids in grass fed meats not only lower these levels but contains less fat and calories than grain fed meats.

Add to this the high amount of omega-3 which is found in grass fed meats, and you have a healthy alternative to grain fed meats.   While in grain fed meats, the amount of omega-6 fatty acid is higher.  This has been the cause of disease among individuals whose diet does not consist of a proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6.

In the old days, livestock were traditionally grass fed. Unfortunately, today we find that most livestock are given grain and other food products to fatten them up.  Cows, for example, are given corn which is not readily digestible.  Thus, antibiotics have to be given to counteract the effects of these foods. 

The recent outbreak of E. coli is a testament to the devastating effects of feeding corn to cows.   Grass fed meat does not contain the E. coli bacteria.

You know, it seems every time you listen to the news they are either telling you to eat meat or don’t eat meat.  The fact of the matter is that the data collected from a myriad of studies and research proves that grass fed meat is a healthy alternative.

 

Filed under Food by anynoon

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