Better meat

We've all heard that you are what you eat, and for carnivores you are what your meat has eaten....

The following study from Newcastle University has confirmed that animals fed on a pasture/grass only diets produce meat of a higher nutritional value than animals fed cereals or even animals finished for a short while on cereals.

This is quite a landmark point and shows compelling evidence of the extra benefit if cattle are fed 100% forage diets throughout their life.

The key highlights from the report are listed as

•Certified grass-fed beef needs to be recognised as a ‘source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids’.

•With respect to our health, beef fat composition is inversely related to intensity of its production.

•Cattle grazing to enhance biodiversity also offer a ‘public-good’ with high-quality meat.

One of the exciting areas is around the abundance of long chain omega 3 fatty acids. We are all told we need more of these so its great that our grass fed beef is a reliable alternative source to fish.

Also I learnt that its not necessarily about eating more of the visible fat - the cell membranes is where alot of the amazing nutrients are so even if you prefer leaner cuts you can still potentially gain the benefits.

One thing I have to say is that I havent yet had my own beef tested - I have no reason to believe that my beef will analyse any different to those grass fed farms in the study, but can't specifically make claims of my specific meat until I have the science. Its proving tricky to get the analysis done but hopefully soon!