Beef - Grass v. Grain

So, what is the difference between beef from a cow that is grass  fed versus a cow that is grain fed?  Did you know there is a difference?

Without going too much into animal rights/environmental/political stuff, I'm just going to give you a quick low down on grass fed vs grain fed beef, and why grass fed is the way to go.

1.  Grass fed means that a cow is eating certified organic grass for it's entire life.  Grain fed cattle are generally fed grass at first, the switched to grains to fatten them up before slaughter.  This is one reason why grass fed cuts are leaner than grain fed.  Recently, there are organic farmers that are switching grass fed cows over to organic grain to provide a more flavorful cut.  I personally don't even want that!  I want strictly grass fed.

2.  Cows are supposed to eat grass.  They graze. Grazing is the life for a cow!  Happy cows!  Think about it:  If you were a cow, and had to stand all day with your face in a bucket of cheap grains (corn), would you be happy?  And if that's not a good reason, here is a few things you can find in "feed" for grain fed cows: municipal garbage, candy, chicken feathers...  Feeding cows grains makes them sick, and ultimately kills them.

3.  Grass fed beef has more vitamin E, and a better Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acid ratio.  Higher 6 to 3 ratios have been linked to increased cancer risk, heart disease, allergies... Lowered risk for depression, schizophrenia, ADD, and Alzheimer's disease has also been found in increased omega 3 consumption.

4.  It tastes better!  It really does!

I'm just scratching the surface of they many reasons why grass fed is better than grain fed.

I know that when you are shopping for that Organic Grass Fed Beef, the price might keep you from buying it, and instead you'll pick up the cheaper, commercially produced beef.  I understand that.  But, considering that a person should really be limiting their red meat consumption anyway (blog post for another day!), why not invest a little extra money in something that is far superior in quality and is better for you!

Keep a close eye on your Sprouts ad - they will periodically have their Organic Grass Fed Beef on sale.

For more interesting facts on the benefits of grass fed foods, visit www.EatWild.com.

***UPDATE***


I just finished watching the movie King Corn - which I highly suggest - goes into the details of this exact topic.  Go get this movie!  Or, if you have Netflix, you can watch it online right now!

Enjoy!