Grass Fed Cows = Healthy Fats

As more people are choosing a healthier way of life, eating healthy foods has become very important. One area of new interest is grass fed meats. Grass fed meats are a healthy natural source of saturated fats. Let's take a closer look at the benefits derived from grass fed meats.

Grass-fed meats contains omega-3 fatty acids. These are the good fats we need for multiple functions in our bodies. They affect inflammation, autoimmune disease, mood and brain function. However, grain-fed meat offer little to aid in optimal health. The saturated fat in grain (corn) fed animals is actually quite inflammatory and Research shows that zero of the important vitamins and minerals are found in grain fed animals.

Another benefit of grass fed meats is that saturated fat in grass fed meats may lower cholesterol levels due to the stearic acid that is contained therein. Stearic acid is a saturated fat that can also be found in chocolate. It is also utilized in margarine and shortening. When transformed it turns into monounsaturated fat. This transformation is good news since studies have indicated that the fat has little if any effect on cholesterol levels.

While we normally produce cholesterol in our bodies, there are some people who inherently produce more than others. The omega-3 fatty acids in grass fed meats help lower these levels, and grass fed meat have lower fat and calories than grain fed meats.

With the high percentage of omega-3 which is found in grass fed meats, you have a healthy alternative to grain fed meats. Conversely, in grain fed meats the amount of omega-6 fatty acid is greater. Persons whose diet does not consist of a proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 can be more more likely to develop certain diseases, inflammation, pain and some cancers.

In the old days, livestock were traditionally grass fed. Unfortunately, today we find that most livestock are given grain (especially corn) and other foods to fatten them up. Cows, for example, are given corn which is not easilyreadily digestible. Thus, antibiotics have to be given to counteract the effects of these foods.

The recent outbreak of E. coli is a testament to the dreadful effects of feeding corn to cows. Grass fed meat does not contain the E. coli bacteria.

Every day new research is published on healthy and unhealthy fats and proteins. The science is in with countless studies and research showing that grass fed meat is a healthy option. Ask your local grocer to carry local grass-fed meats. Or purchase at farmer's markets or find a local farmer to purchase direct from. You will benefit greatly from it, on many levels!