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Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with all Internet translations, this one doesn’t take into account the context and might not get the meaning of the text right. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated. Estoy de Acuerdo / Eu concordo / I agree.
When choosing meat for your summer cookout, the various labels on the packaging can seem a little overwhelming. One of the label claims that people often see is grass-fed beef. At first glance, this seems like a straightforward claim.
Cattle are ruminants which means their diet must contain forages, like grass and hay. They graze plant material that humans cannot eat. Most cows start their lives the same way. Calves are born on pasture and stay there until they are ready to be weaned from their mothers. In the traditional way of doing things, cattle are finished by being fed extra grains like corn, soybeans, and wheat to give them more energy. Grain is fed because it has higher energy levels, which speeds up the process and increases efficiency. When they get to the right weight, they are processed, and the meat is sent to a grocery store, restaurant, or person.
The term “grass-fed” means that these animals spent their whole lives on pasture and were never fed grains. Also, if it says “grass-finished,” it means that the animal may have been fed grains at some point. The label should show what percentage of the animal was fed grains and what percentage was grass. Both of these claims have not been proven, which means that a third party has not come to check out and certify the practice.
Grass-fed beef has fewer calories and more energy, so it takes longer to reach the right weight and finish, which is how much fat an animal has. It also takes more space to provide enough forage for these animals. This extra time on the farm is why grass-fed beef often has a price premium.
These different practices do influence the final product. Due to their diet, grain-fed beef tends to have whiter colored fat and typically has more marbling. A lot of the flavor and tenderness of beef comes from the marbling, which is used to rate the quality of the meat. Grass-fed beef typically has a more yellow-colored fat and is leaner with less overall marbling and fat. Many people have a personal preference for the flavor of either grain or grass-fed beef. Give both a try and see which you prefer!.
In addition to appearance and flavor, there are some nutritional differences between the two types of beef. Grass-fed beef tends to be lower in calories since it has less fat. Additionally, it has more Omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef, which is good for your health in many ways.
Choosing either grain or grass-fed beef comes down to personal preference for taste and ideals. You can eat either grain-fed or grass-fed beef, and it will still be healthy and safe. Beef is high in protein as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B12. Union County has many options for people looking to purchase meat from a local farmer. People can meet the farmer and ask about how the animals were raised when they go to the farmers market. Other resources include the Visit NC Farms App and the Union County Local Foods website. Both of these can be found on the N. C. Cooperative Extension of Union County website under The Local Foods tab. Be sure to enjoy plenty of fresh and delicious meats as part of your summer celebrations.
Beef is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, not all beef is created equal. The way cows are raised and fed can significantly affect the nutritional profile of their meat. This article explains the key differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.
How Are Grass-Fed Cows Raised?
Grass-fed cows spend their entire lives grazing on pasture. Their feed consists of grasses, legumes, and other edible plants found naturally in their environment.
This is the natural diet of cows. Feeding them a forage-based diet allows them to graze freely and exhibit their normal patterns of behavior. Grass-fed beef comes from cows that have never been confined to feedlots and fed grain-based diets.
Benefits of Grass-Fed
- Higher in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene
- More omega-3 fatty acids
- Higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may promote heart health
- Leaner than grain-fed beef, lower in saturated fat
The Standard Feedlot System
In contrast, most cows in the U.S. today are sent to feedlots for finishing. They are confined in pens and fed a calorie-dense grain-based diet for 3-6 months prior to slaughter. This diet typically consists of corn soy cereal byproducts, and other agricultural products.
The goal of grain feeding is to promote rapid weight gain. It effectively fattens the cows quickly producing marbled beef with a higher fat content.
Downsides of Grain-Fed
- Lower in heart-healthy fats like omega-3s
- More total fat grams and calories
- Misses out on the nutritional benefits of a natural grass diet
While grain-fed beef is juicier and more tender, grass-fed beef offers some nutritional advantages.
Nutrient Profile Differences
Several studies have compared the nutrient profile of grass-fed and grain-fed beef Here are some of the findings
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Total fat: Grass-fed beef is lower in total fat, containing 5-10% less fat grams than grain-fed. It is also lower in calories.
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Saturated fat: Grass-fed is slightly lower in saturated fat. It contains around 2-3% less saturated fat than grain-fed beef.
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Monounsaturated fat: There is significantly less monounsaturated fat in grass-fed beef.
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Omega-3 fats: Grass-fed beef provides 2-6 times more omega-3 fatty acids.
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Conjugated linoleic acid: Grass-fed beef contains 3-5 times more CLA.
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Antioxidants: Higher in antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Fatty Acid Ratios
The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be important for health.
Grain feeding increases the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s. In contrast, grass-fed beef has a more favorable ratio for heart health.
Research shows grain feeding can increase omega-6s by 30-50% compared to grass-only diets.
Is Grass-Fed Worth the Extra Cost?
Grass-fed beef is typically more expensive than conventional beef from feedlots. The price difference ranges from 50 cents to $2 more per pound.
For some consumers, this added cost is worthwhile when you consider the nutritional differences:
- More omega-3 fatty acids
- Healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
- Higher antioxidant content
- No antibiotics or hormones
However, even grain-fed beef can be part of a healthy diet. The choice ultimately comes down to your budget and personal preferences.
Grass-Fed Isn’t Always Organic
It’s important to understand grass-fed beef is not the same as organic. Grass-fed cows may still be treated with antibiotics or hormones. Be sure to check labels if you want to ensure organic standards.
The Bottom Line
While both grass-fed and grain-fed beef offer nutritional value, grass-fed has some advantages. It is lower in total and saturated fat, while offering higher levels of antioxidants and heart-healthy fats like omega-3s. For many people, the boosted nutrition is worth paying a little more.
When it comes to healthy, quality beef, choosing grass-fed is a good option – but don’t rule out moderate portions of grain-fed beef as part of a well-rounded diet, too.
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Is Grass-Fed Beef Really Healthier Than Grain-Fed?
FAQ
Is grass-fed beef better than regular beef?
Why is grass-fed beef more expensive?
Does grass-fed beef cook differently?
Is grass-fed beef less tender?
What is the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef?
Grass- and grain-fed beef contain very similar amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s. This is where grass-fed makes a major difference, containing up to five times as much omega-3 ( 3 ). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grass-fed beef contains about twice as much CLA as grain-fed beef. This fatty acid is associated with a few health benefits ( 4
What is the difference between grass-finished beef and grass-fed beef?
Grass-finished beef comes from cows that exclusively eat grass and forage their entire lives. Grass-fed beef, on the other hand, can mean cattle that started on the grass and then were fed a supplemental grain diet or ended their lives eating grain.
What is grass-fed beef?
Grass-fed beef is a loose term that can be placed on any cow that was fed grass at some point during its life. Grass-fed cows are also called “conventional cows.” They begin their lives by drinking their mother’s milk and eating grass. By eight months, or as soon as they are weaned off their mother’s milk, they move to feeding lots.
Why is grass-fed beef more leaner than grain-fed?
Mainly due to the fact that grass-fed beef is leaner, it contains a smaller amount of monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef. This is because the oleic acid content of beef increases with the amount of marbling.