Grass Fed Beef Versus Grain Fed Beef

The recent growing popularity of organic products has sparked a debate about grass-fed beef benefits versus the price you pay for it. Is the 2 - 3x supermarket price markup worth it? The bigger issue is more likely the overall health benefits of eating grass fed beef over the conventional grain or corn fed beef. This article will discuss the differences in how the grass fed and grain fed meats are created, processed and ultimately affect your health.

Definition

How cattle are raised will determine the quality and specific makeup of the meat. There are three phases to the process:

Phase 1. This is the infant stage - the calf is born, consumes only milk from its mother and eventually eats grass for the first time in a pasture at 7 - 9 months of age.

Phase 2. This stage is where the type of feeding methods change in the process. This phase will last from the end of phase 1 to just before the slaughter to yield the meat. grass fed beef eat grass from the ground while grain fed will eat a variety or different grains in a lot of cases in an enclosed environment.

Phase 3. This finishing stage is just before harvest which involves rapid growth. Some producers will use grain at this stage even though the cattle have been fed exclusively grass up to this point. This is the time when the cattle increase in weight faster than any other time frame. How they are fed will drastically change the finished product in both weight and quality of meat.

Your local supermarket or butcher shop will offer four types of meat which will vary in exposure to grain.

1. Veal - this is calf meat from phase 1 above. It has never been fed grain and will be predominantly males as they do not produce milk so are of lower value as adults.

2. Organic or 100% grass fed - cattle that have spent their whole lives in a pasture.

3. Initially grass fed beef but finished in phase 3 with grain.

4. Grain fed beef that have been raised in the conventional manner and have not eaten grass in a pasture at all.

This list (not surprisingly) is also in order of most expensive to least expensive.

The Benefits

Unfortunately the research on this topic is fairly limited as it is not a really popular concern to the public. With limited data, we will compare only the two extremes - 100% grass fed and 100% grain fed beef.

One research group did a comparison of grass fed and grain fed beef using samples from different farms in the continental USA. Having samples collected in this way takes into account the different regions of the country with differing quality of both grass and grains as feed. The meat tested is the same beef that you would find in a supermarket. All of the farms are the suppliers of meat to the local grocery stores, restaurants, burger joints, etc.

The results were not overly surprising - the nutrient profiles of the two types were very similar.

- the fat in grass fed meat is a darker yellow color possibly due to larger amounts of vitamin A and carotenoids

- slightly less marbling (lines of fat in the meat) in grain fed which makes it a little leaner

- a little less unsaturated fats but more omega-3's and saturated fats in grain fed beef (but not by very much)

- the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats is much lower in grain fed beef at 2.45 compared to 9.6 for grass fed meat. Omega fats are known to have anti-inflammatory properties so the high ratio is much better.

There was a different study that looked at the effect of using grain in the last two months of cattle development. The findings showed that the longer grain was used, the more saturated fats were produced. This is the opposite of the previous research. The other results were the same.

Overall, the findings make the two types of meat very similar with only omega fats being better in grass fed beef.

Human Benefits

We have taken a look at the research involving the meat itself but what about feeding it to humans and seeing the result? Another group did a 4 week test where they fed two groups of people beef that was either grass fed or grain fed in the final phase of growth. The subjects underwent blood analysis which showed the grass fed beef group had significantly better levels of omega-3 fats, lower omega-6/omega-3 fat ratio and higher levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is a fish fatty acid that has been shown in research to improve memory and slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Based on these findings, anyone who does not eat very much fish to obtain DHA would benefit from grass fed beef to obtain it, even if the amount is not as significant.

Commercial grain fed beef is notorious for containing antibiotics and artificial hormones as the cattle are treated in captivity. Grass fed beef would help lower the risk of exposure. Testing in this area is quite limited so some of it is speculation.

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Why Turmeric Should Be in Your Kitchen and Your Diet

Turmeric is a wonder herb, and definitely belongs in your kitchen. Known as Curcuma Longa, this herb of the ginger family is used for many different things, from flavoring up your favorite dish to its traditional use in India as a natural antiseptic for burns and cuts. Thousands of years ago it was used as a dye, and now it's becoming known as a wonder supplement proving beneficial to health conditions, from some forms of cancer to Alzheimer's.

Turmeric has long been known as a healing herb

India has long known the magical power of turmeric. It's used to flavor Indian cuisine, and has been added to mustards to punch up the flavor. More importantly though, turmeric has been used medicinally in Indian and Chinese culture to treat the whole body. Turmeric, which contains an active healing ingredient called curcumin, is a potent and natural anti-inflammatory herb that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs... without the side effects. The list of maladies turmeric can naturally treat is wondrous, indeed.

Just what benefits does turmeric offer?

Indian tradition has long known about turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefit, and Chinese physicians have used this wonder herb for liver cleansing and gallbladder ailments. And now in our modern age, turmeric is being studied and used for a vast array of human conditions and illnesses.

Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation through its stimulation of our adrenal glands, which increases production of an anti-inflammatory hormone. So, turmeric is used to ease arthritic conditions by easing inflammation and joint pain.

Turmeric is used in treating burns, and is a natural disinfectant. Plus, this wonder herb is rich in anti-oxidents and helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, by improving blood circulation. Turmeric seems to naturally prevent the body from forming blood clots, and has a natural effect against the forming of antiplatelets.

And there are laboratory studies happening now that would indicate the curcumin in turmeric fights some types of cancer cells. More study is needed on turmeric and it's cancer-fighting abilities, but it has been shown to kill human leukemia cells. Saying turmeric is a wonder herb is an understatement, don't you think?

Downsides of turmeric

Turmeric is considered a safe herb, but there are certain individuals who should be cautious about ingesting it. It is recommended that people with congestive heart problems, liver disorders, and gallstones avoid using turmeric in their diets. Also, pregnant women or people with blood clotting issues should consult their doctors before using it.

Where can you buy turmeric?

There are many supplement companies that offer turmeric in pill form, and these are readily available online. However, our family takes the more traditional approach, and we buy it from our neighborhood grocer. Just find your grocer's spice section and buy a reputable line of turmeric, like Spice Islands for instance. Rice is a staple in our home, and we always blend in a generous portion of turmeric powder along with a favorite vegetable like chopped zucchini, broccoli florets or a crooked neck yellow squash. Turmeric is not only good for you, but it adds a zesty, very flavorful taste to rice and other foods we enjoy.

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7 Foods That Reduce Inflammation Naturally

Do you or someone you love suffer from inflammation and the pain that comes with it? If so, I'm happy to share with you a little of what I have learned through my journey to heal my inflammation. I will share with you 7 foods that reduce inflammation naturally.

  Before I share some of the secrets I have found, it is important to know what inflammation is. So, what is inflammation?

Inflammation is part of the biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli. These stimuli could be damaged cells, pathogens, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by your body to remove the detrimental stimuli and to start the healing process. Infections and wounds would never heal without inflammation. Symptoms of inflammation can include swelling, pain, redness, and restriction in movement.

Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Chronic inflammation is prolonged inflammation. It leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells existing at the site of inflammation and is characterized by concurring destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process. It can cause a load of diseases, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, hay fever, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypersensitivities, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, acne, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases, asthma, etc. So for that reason, the body closely regulates inflammation.

It is important to reduce inflammation not just because of the pain that it causes you, but also because chronic inflammation is very detrimental to the body. Unlike acute inflammation, where the immune system responds to injury or infection by activating inflammatory chemicals that fight abnormal substances, chronic inflammation isn't beneficial for the body.

The foods you choose to eat can help reduce and prevent inflammation. Foods reduce inflammation naturally, so if you want to get rid of your inflammation naturally, then read on! Below I will share with you 7 foods that reduce inflammation naturally. These foods are called anti-inflammatory foods.

Berries

Goji berries are one of the first foods I choose to eat to rid myself of my horrible inflammation pain, and I noticed a difference within weeks. Goji berries are very high in antioxidants, so they are a great anti-inflammatory along with other wonderful qualities. Blueberries are full of antioxidants and high in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients give anti-inflammatory protection against many diseases. Other types of berries such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and cranberries are also high in antioxidants.

Papaya

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in papaya. Papain, along with other nutrients such as vitamin E and C, helps to reduce inflammation and improves digestion. If you are interested in foods that reduce inflammation, and you are a tropical fruit fan, then this is a perfect food for you to eat.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the healing of indigestion, sports injury, trauma and other kinds of swelling and inflammation. Extracts of bromelain are used in various natural anti-inflammatory supplements for arthritis.

Spices

Turmeric is a spice with high anti-inflammatory qualities. Add a teaspoon to your diet each day. Some ways to include turmeric into your diet would be to add it to soups, sprinkling it on scrambled eggs, mixing it into sauces, or salad dressings. Ginger is a relative of turmeric that is also revered internationally for its anti-inflammatory qualities. If you want to reduce inflammation naturally, then try incorporating these spices in your next meals.

Kelp

Kelp contains fucoidan, a kind of carbohydrate that is anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative. Kombu, arame, and wakame are a few types of kelp that can be bought at the grocery store. Kelp has a high fiber content so it also helps to make your feel full and promotes weight loss. Get organic kelp from unpolluted waters.

Spinach

Spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable that is a high source of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative flavonoids and carotenoids. It contains vitamin A, B, B, C, E, K, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and folate. Make sure to buy organic spinach. Non-organic spinach is sprayed with pesticides and you don't want to be putting more toxins into your body, because that will increase your inflammation. Vegetables, especially dark leafy vegetables are great for decreases inflammation. Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that help the body to get rid of carcinogenic compounds. It is also a highly nutritious vegetable. Cauliflower is a relative of broccoli, which contains similar components that aid the body's detoxification.

I hope you have found this list of foods that reduce inflammation helpful. Start eating some of these foods, and see what happens. If you already eat some of them, try eating more. The more you eat of these foods, the more you should see a reduction in your inflammation and the pain that goes with it. Here's to a new you... inflammation and pain-free!



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