Benefits of Grass-fed Beef (Ebony Williams)
Utilizing local farmers to source 100% grass-fed beef and other meat products can be a game changer. Not only are you supporting local farms, but there are also health benefits linked to consuming grass-fed beef using responsible farming practices.
There are several benefits to consider when it comes to purchasing these types of products:
- Nutrient Density: Grass fed beef is often higher in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals compared to grain-fed beef from having a higher fatty acid profile to macro/micronutrients (Davis et al., 2022).
- Potential to be better for the environment: Grass fed beef has a smaller environmental footprint compared to grain-fed beef. This is because grain-fed beef requires a large amount of grains to be grown, which requires more land resources, water, and other costs associated with caring for the animals (Provenza et al., 2019).
- Taste and preparation: Many people believe that grass fed beef tastes better. This is because grass fed beef tends to be more flavorful and has a more complex taste due to the variety of grasses and other plants that the cattle consume.
While there are other factors associated with choosing our food, it is important to think about how your food choices can have an impact on your overall health. Here are some additional things to consider:
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Price
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Where is it coming from?
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Do you support the mission of the company?
Finally, choosing local farmers can not only support your health, but it can also have a positive impact on the farmers who provide the meat. Buying from local farmers can support the local economy, which can also create jobs and provide community resources. When you buy meat from local farmers, you have the opportunity to know exactly where your food comes from and how it was raised. Many local farmers are happy to answer questions about their farming practices and allow customers to visit their farms.
References
Davis, H., Magistrali, A., Butler, G., & Stergiadis, S. (2022). Nutritional Benefits from Fatty Acids in Organic and Grass-Fed Beef. Foods, 11(5), 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050646
Provenza, F. D., Kronberg, S. L., & Gregorini, P. (2019). Is Grassfed Meat and Dairy Better for Human and Environmental Health? Frontiers in Nutrition, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00026