How do the fatty acid levels in grass-fed beef and milk compare with levels found in beef and milk from grain-fed animals?
Grass-fed beef and dairy have less total fat and higher levels of “good fats” (omega-3 fatty acids) compared with beef and milk from animals fed a grain diet like that in CAFOs. For example, in our study the average amount of heart-healthy EPA/DHA in a serving of grass-fed steak is about 35 mg (the highest value was 70 mg per serving), while steak from non-pastured cattle had only 18 mg per serving. The average amount of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA in a glass of pasture-raised milk is about 80 mg (with one sample at 155 mg), but milk from non-pastured cows has only 55 mg of ALA. The levels of omega-3 fatty acids in grass-fed beef and milk are not nearly as high as those found in high omega-3 foods such as wild salmon and flaxseed, but they are certainly an improvement over CAFO products. More research is needed on how these fatty acids work and what levels are needed in the diet to produce various health benefits.
Related Questions
- How do the fatty acid levels in grass-fed beef and milk compare with levels found in other foods, such as fish?
- Why do animals that live in cold climates have higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acid residues?
- Ive heard that grass-fed beef tastes different than grain-fed beef. Do consumers like grass-fed beef?
