Keto's Grass-Fed Benefits: Healthier, Happier, And More Ethical

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb approach to eating that has gained popularity in recent years. The diet's premise is that by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, the body will enter a state of ketosis, burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which can lead to weight loss. To follow the keto diet effectively, it is important to choose high-quality, nutritious foods, and this is where grass-fed beef comes in. Grass-fed beef is a natural fit for the keto diet as it is a good source of lean protein and has a richer taste. Additionally, grass-fed beef has a different fat profile compared to grain-fed beef, containing less total fat, more omega-3 fatty acids, and higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is linked to long-term weight management and overall health. Grass-fed beef also aligns with more humane and environmentally conscious farming practices, as cows are raised in open pastures and allowed to graze on their natural diet of grasses.

Grass-fed beef is leaner and cooks faster

Grass-fed beef is leaner because the grass and forage that the cows eat are much lower in calories. In comparison, grain-fed cows consume more calories, which helps them gain weight faster.

Grass-fed beef also contains less total fat and fewer calories than grain-fed beef. For example, three ounces of grass-fed beef contains about 2.3 grams of fat, the same amount found in the same-sized portion of skinless chicken breast. On the other hand, three ounces of grain-fed beef can contain up to four times that amount of fat.

A 6-ounce steak from a grass-fed steer typically contains about 100 fewer calories than the same-sized cut from a grain-fed steer. This makes grass-fed beef a great source of lean protein, keeping you feeling fuller for longer with less fat and fewer calories.

Grass-fed beef also has added health benefits. It contains higher amounts of omega-3s, antioxidants, certain vitamins, and CLAs (Conjugated Linoleum Acids) compared to grain-fed beef.

It has higher levels of nutrients

Grass-fed beef has higher levels of nutrients than grain-fed beef. It is a natural fit for the keto diet as it is a good source of high-density protein, which makes it easier to feel full and nourished.

Grass-fed beef is a lean protein with a rich taste and is ethically raised. Fat is not a problem on a keto diet, but toxins consumed by animals tend to accumulate in the fat, which is an issue for grain-fed animals, as they are often raised on hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed meat is also a better choice for the environment, with a much lower carbon footprint.

Grass-fed meat is higher in vitamin E, which helps it stand up to high-temperature cooking and also improves immune system function. It is also a good indicator of nutritious beef and lamb, as the fat will be yellow or cream-coloured.

Grass-fed meat also contains higher levels of key nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and E. It also contains a beneficial fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has improved immunity and anti-inflammatory benefits. CLA levels in grass-fed meat are 2-4 times higher than in grain-fed meat and are thought to help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Research has also found that grass-fed beef has higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. It also contains higher amounts of very-long-chain fatty acids, which are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. Grass-fed beef also contains higher amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Grass-fed cows are ethically raised and roam freely

Grass-fed cows are also better for the environment. They recycle nutrients back into the land, supporting soil health and the growth of new plant life. This natural cycle avoids the need for large pastures and the negative environmental impact of growing grain feed, such as irrigation, fertiliser use, and chemical pesticides.

The ethical treatment of grass-fed cows has a positive impact on human health, too. Grass-fed cows are less likely to harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can infect people. They also have less of the amino acid homocysteine in their blood, which is an indication of metabolic health.

Grass-fed cows are raised without the use of hormones and antibiotics, which can be harmful to human health. The absence of these drugs means grass-fed cows are smaller in size, which is why it takes longer for them to reach maturity. This extra time and labour drive up the cost of grass-fed meat.

Overall, grass-fed cows are ethically raised and allowed to roam freely, benefiting both the animals and human health, as well as the environment.

Grass-fed beef contains better-quality fats

Grass-fed beef also has a lower overall fat content, which is an important consideration for those looking to decrease their fat consumption. It has a more favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help prevent and treat various diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and autoimmune diseases.

Additionally, grass-fed beef contains higher levels of antioxidants, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase, which help prevent cell damage that can lead to serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The fat from grass-fed beef may also have a yellowish appearance due to the elevated levels of carotenoids, which are precursors to Vitamin A.

The higher levels of Vitamin E in grass-fed beef also provide health benefits. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals and helps prevent the development of chronic diseases. It may also block the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens formed in the stomach from nitrates.

Grass-fed cows are healthier and less likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Grass-fed cows are less likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria as they are less crowded together and are allowed to graze on grass. This means they are less likely to get sick and require antibiotics. The lack of growth-inducing hormones and antibiotics helps the cow reach maturity naturally, keeping people from becoming immune to antibiotics, a frequent treatment in human medicine.

The overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture has been linked to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which may be pathogenic to humans and easily transmitted via food chains. In addition, the constant feeding of antibiotics to feedlot cattle plays a large role in the spreading of staph, e-Coli, and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In one study, 47% of meat and poultry examined contained S. aureus. More than half of those bacteria, 52%, were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics. This was the first national assessment of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus in the US food supply. DNA testing suggested that the major source of contamination were the food animals themselves.

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