The Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef You Didn’t Know About

December 6, 2024

We all know that eating meat is good for the body because it provides us with a rich source of protein, but that’s just the beginning. Organic grass-fed beef offers so many additional benefits that typical grocery store beef just doesn’t match.

First off, let’s talk about what’s really in your average beef at the grocery store. Unless it’s specifically labeled, most beef is loaded with hormones and antibiotics, which are given to the cattle to help them grow faster and gain weight more quickly. The goal? Faster turnover and bigger profits. These antibiotics are administered to prevent illness, just like we would take medicine when we’re under the weather—cattle need to stay healthy to keep growing at full speed. But with organic grass-fed beef, there’s no worry about these additives. The cattle aren’t injected with hormones or vaccinations, so you're getting meat that’s free from these extra chemicals. After all, how many times have we heard the saying, “We are what we eat”? Choosing food that isn’t packed with unnecessary additives is a simple way to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Now, let’s talk about fat content. Grass-fed beef is leaner than its grain-fed counterpart. While we all enjoy a bit of marbling in our meat for tenderness, fat—especially unhealthy fat—can have a big impact on our health. The fat in store-bought beef can be nearly double the amount found in grass-fed beef. Eating less fat can lower your cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other blood-related illnesses tied to high cholesterol levels. So, if you or someone in your family has a history of heart issues but you still love your steaks and burgers, switching to organic grass-fed beef might be a healthier choice.

Another huge benefit of grass-fed beef is the higher nutrient profile. Because the cattle eat grass and live more naturally, they produce higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. These include Vitamin A, E, B12, and a form of B3, along with essential minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Here’s a fun fact: For women, who are more prone to iron deficiencies, grass-fed beef offers a type of iron known as heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to the non-heme iron found in plant-based sources. Heme iron is found in all meat sources, but grass-fed beef has higher amounts of it, helping improve your body's ability to absorb iron more efficiently—up to 40% more than other types of iron.

Grass-fed beef is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants—nutrients doctors often recommend for overall health and a balanced diet. These nutrients work together to support a healthier immune system, better brain function, and overall vitality.

All in all, grass-fed beef is packed with so many added benefits that typical store-bought beef just doesn’t offer. Whether you’re looking to lose weight with leaner meat or you want to be proactive about your health and know exactly what’s in your food, grass-fed beef could be just what you’re looking for.