Why Grass Fed is Better than Grain Fed Beef

100% Grass Fed Beef vs. Grain Fed Beef:

Grass Fed Beef contains:

• 500% more CLA
• 400% more Vitamin A
• 300% more Vitamin E
• 75% more Omega-3
• 78% more Beta Carotene.

(Allan Nation, Grass Fed to Finish, p. 88)

In this article I am going to outline the benefits that come with eating beef, regardless of grass fed or grain fed.  I will explain the science behind the nutritional superiority of organic,100% Grass Fed beef over grain fed beef.   Finally, I will dispel the myth that grain is bad for cattle, revealing the true villain in the grain-crop arena and HOW Grassfed beef can be just as bad as grain-fed when it comes to this villian.  

This info is in the context of beef, but a majority of the information transcends species will apply to grass fed lamb as well.

Benefits of Eating Beef (and meat in general): 

First, let’s discuss the benefits of eating beef, whether grass fed or grain fed.  Meat in general is one of the richest sources of complete-protein on planet earth.  Every cell in the human body relies on an adequate intake of protein in order to heal, survive, and thrive.  An article from healthline.com states that the consumption of beef helps build muscle mass, prevent anemia, and provide you with high levels of:

• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Iron
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Phosphorus.

HOW GRASS FED BEEF IS BETTER THAN GRAIN FED BEEF:

Beef is a good food, but organic, 100% grass fed beef is a superfood.  Organic, 100% grass fed beef is a nutritional tool that can equip your body to fight the effects of aging, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  The scientific research I am getting ready to quote is from Chapter 6 of Allan Nation’s “Grassfed to Finish, a Production Guide to Gourmet Grassfed Beef”.  I’d love it if you would use the link below to bypass Amazon and buy the book at ShopShepherdess.com.

In establishing 100% Grass Fed beef as a superfood, we must hone in on Conjugated Linoleic Acid (abbreviated CLA).  CLA is an anti-carcinogenic, meaning it is a cancer-fighter.  Dr. Tilak Dhiman of the Utah State University states: “CLA is the only [animal-based] compound that has shown in research trials all over the world to reduce cancer risk.” (p.93)  Meat from 100% Grass Fed beef has 500% more CLA than grain fed beef.  

In studies done on the benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid:

• 11/11 found CLA contributes to a decrease in cancer.
• 4/5 found CLA contributes to a decrease in body fat.
• 2/2 found CLA contributes to a decrease in heart disease.
• 6/6 found CLA contributes to increased immunity to disease.
• 2/2 found CLA  contributes to increased bone density
• 3/3 found CLA contributes to a decrease in adult diabetes. (p. 88) 

In addition to being 500% higher in CLA than grain fed beef, Grass Fed beef contains:

• 400% more Vitamin A
• 300% more Vitamin E
• 75% more Omega-3
• 78% more Beta Carotene. (p. 88) 

One of the characteristics of Grass Fed beef vs grain fed beef is yellow fat.  “The rich yellow fat in grass fed meat is reflective of a high beta carotene content which the human body is able to metabolize as Vitamin A: a major antioxidant.” (p. 84) 

The vitamins and omegas mentioned above are major anti-aging properties, reducing oxidation in the body.  What’s more is that Omega 3 contributes to brain fat and in a case study cited by Jo Robinson, author of The Omega Diet “children who were fed high Omega-3 diets had an IQ nine-points higher than the average american child” (p.91)

THE MYTH: GRAIN IS BAD FOR CATTLE

The concept that grain is bad for cattle is a myth.  Grain in itself is not bad for cattle.  Those who would argue that grazing animals do not benefit from grain consumption are ignoring the reality that herbivores of old would have regularly encountered and grazed wild grain.  Additionally, many high-performance pasture grasses planted for beef cattle (rye, wheat, oat, etc) are part of the grain family.  While it has been proven that meat from grain-supplemented cattle does not have the CLA content that 100% Grass Fed meat does, organic grain as part of a well rounded, pasture-based program is not a harmful thing.

Glyphosate, not grain is the culprit.

It is glyphosate, not grain that should be our concern as conscious consumers.  Glyphosate can be found in both Grassfed and grain fed meat.

According to usrtk.org “Glyphosate, [is] a synthetic herbicide patented in 1974 by the Monsanto Company.  Glyphosate is best known as the active ingredient in Roundup-branded herbicides”.  According to EPA.gov in the USA “About 280 million pounds of glyphosate are applied…. annually”  with 84% saturating soybean, corn, and cotton crops.  Corn and soy are among the primary feedstuff provided to conventionally-finished beef in the USA.

Research done by the Pesticide Action Network found that Glyphosate contributes to cancer, hormonal disruption, DNA damage, birth defects, and neurological disorders (https://drdeeblanco.com/what-pet-parents-really-need-to-know-about-glyphosate/).  Jo Robinson, author of The Omega Diet states “One, if it’s in their feed, it’s in our food.  Two, if it’s in our food, it’s affecting our health.  The new paradigm is we are what our animals eat” (p. 91)

An evaluation of the following graphs proves very thought provoking.  The first is a graph showing the escalation of glyphosate usage since its introduction in 1974.  The second is a chart from cancer.gov showing the rise in the prevalence of cancer in the USA, since 1975.  

Unfortunately, because pasture and hay fields are one on the “top 4 list” for glyphosate application, grass fed beef can be just as great a risk for glyphosate exposure as grain fed beef.  As a consumer seeking out grass fed meat for maximum health benefits, it is important to know your farmer and his practices.  I advise visiting eatwild.com to find your nearest grass-based farmer.

How to Avoid Glyphosate Exposure:

While it is nearly impossible to avoid glyphosate exposure, there are 2 practical ways to reduce and fight it’s effects.  #1. Transition to organic fruits and vegetables first.  Fruits and veggies test the highest when it comes to Glyphosate residual.  Buy organic 100% grass fed meats.  These meats will have the best chance at freedom from glyphosate residuals.  These meats will also be full of antioxidants and anticarcinogens which will contribute to your body’s ability to detoxify existing Glyphosate stores.  

As organic grass farmers, glyphosates can make their way onto your farm via hay and non-organic feed supplement.  Cutting hay from your own land or grazing your own stockpiled pasture overwinter is a means of avoiding glyphosate exposure via inputs.  

The bottom line is: be aware, and do what you can.  You can’t fix everything in one day, but there are things you can do today.  Do not be stifled by what you cannot do, be motivated by what you can do!

-the Shepherdess

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

References, citations, and further reads:

https://drdeeblanco.com/what-pet-parents-really-need-to-know-about-glyphosate/

cancer.gov

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/beef#vitamins-and-minerals

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07819

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/glyphotech.html

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-04/documents/glyphosate-response-comments-usage-benefits-final.pdf