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Grass Fed Beef = LOVE

First off, if you are local and reading this, you should place your “co-op” order by March 13th.  It has been extended a short period to get more of you on board!!  EMAIL US NOW

OK, so now that we have that out of the way, I teach grass fed beef, clean grass fed beef over fish when it comes to health benefits.  And as shocking as that is to some of you, you need to understand that is the most significant step to take in regards to your meat consumption.

Fish, specific fish that we eat such as salmon, sardines and tuna, have high levels of omega 3 acid in them.  Specifically omega 3 in the form that we need the most, EPA and DHA.  The biggest concern however is of course the contamination of fish due to our water being rich in pcb’s, mercury and other toxic metals, and other forms of micro toxins.

The benefit will often outweigh the risks up to a certain point.  But that point at which benefits and risks are reversed is hard to identify, when do you know that you are getting too many toxins, and that the toxic load is outweighing the benefit of the fat?  It is very hard to tell, but many sources suggest that eating two servings of fish a week is a good idea.  However, if you believe that the minimal amount of fat from two servings is enough for your health needs, you are mistaken.

But consider these concerns from the Mayo Clinic:

Pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children can still get the heart-healthy benefits of fish by eating fish that’s typically low in mercury, such as salmon, and limiting the amount they eat to:

  • No more than 12 ounces (340 grams) of fish in total a week
  • No more than 6 ounces (170 grams) of canned tuna a week
  • No amount of any fish that’s typically high in mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish)
If the concerns are that strict over pregnant women consuming fish, should we not have these same concerns?
Which brings us to need and other solutions to satisfy that need.  Grass Fed beef is a fantastic source.  I recommend that you buy your beef from a local farm, or a source where you know that it is grass fed completely.  The law allows for any use of this label (this from consumer reports greener choices website):
IS THE CLAIM (grassfed) REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE VERIFIED?No. While the US Department of Agriculture has a good definition for grassfed that requires 100% grass-based feed over the lifetime of the animal, the USDA stated in 2007 that it would not limit the use of the “grassfed” claim to producers that are verified or meet their 100% standard.
This means, that anybody can slap a 100% grass fed label on anything, and be within the law.  Sad.  So even though a 100% grass fed beef serving will often approach an equal mix of omega 3 and omega 6 fat, the average grass fed beef that you purchase in a store will likely be 4 times as much omega 6, or more.  But this is still greatly improved over the 20:1 ratios found in most conventionally raised (grain fed) beef.
We have searched out a local farmer who uses a verified 100% grass fed method of raising beef.  In addition, we have investigated the water source to be sure it is clean water.  I recommend this kind of effort no matter where you are located.  Which brings us to the question… how much?
In my studies of the studies (I have not actually conducted any studies outside of reviewing the studies), I believe that everyone has great advantage when consuming at an absolute minimum 3 grams of EPA/DHA combined.  The most natural ratio in the world is 3:2, thus it is commonly recommended that we consume at that ratio as well.  However, what about the grass fed beef?  Is it a 3:2 ratio of EPA/DHA?  The reality is that it is not, it is not EPA/DHA at all, but rather ALA.  The same omega fat that you find in nuts and seeds.
It is important to point out that ALA is not as beneficial as EPA/DHA, but it is also important to note that individuals can convert ALA to EPA/DHA.  Depending on the source, and the individual, it appears that anywhere between 10-25% of ALA can be converted.  I dare say the difference from person to person appears to be based on their diets (a high nutrient, higher fat, lower carbohydrate diet seems to be best for this conversion to take place).  For this reason, if consuming ALA as your only source of omega 3, you should consume at least 10 grams a day.  The conversion should get you close to 2 grams of EPA/DHA.  I prefer to attempt to consume closer to 20 grams of ALA on days that I earn myself a pass from taking EPA/DHA to supplement.
In other words, if I eat enough of the healthy fats in my diet, I do not take it as  supplement.  A 200 gram fillet of salmon has about 8-9 grams of EPA/DHA.   Which is why consuming sucha WILD fillet twice a week can go a long way to helping you reach good levels.  HOWEVER, for specific conditions where omega 3 is suggested (reversing cardiovascular disease), recommendations can quickly go to 20 grams a day of EPA/DHA.  In which case you will find it very hard to eat enough.
Which brings us back to grass fed beef.  I do not recommend limiting grass fed beef at all.  The consumption is a huge value to our total fat need.  And with 50% omega 3, there is no need to control the total consumption.  The reason why you are told to avoid red meat, is due to the inflammatory effects of the high omega 6 content.  When we reduce this omega 6 level, and increase the omega 3, it becomes more of an anti-inflammatory effect.
In one pound of ground beef, you will find around 3 grams of ALA.  I eat approximately 1 pound each day.  The good news is that you can also get these omega 3’s from the dairy of grass fed cows.  Though I do not recommend high levels of dairy, or really any conventionally raised dairy, I do recommend grass fed clean dairy at some level.  Butter, cheese, and some milk are all ok if consumed sparingly from a grass fed animal.
Beyond Organic creates an awesome grass fed beverage that is absolutely loaded with healthy fat as well as probiotics (80-120 billion are possible in this one drink, especially if you let it age at room temperature right before consuming).    You can find that product here – AMASAI.
So help yourself find a solution to your fat needs.  And get on it!!
Be blessed and be well!  – Dr. E