King of Meats: South Carolina beef boasts a bounty of nutrients like Omega-3
Fatty acids like Omega-3 may help fight depression, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and ADHD
Staff | ShopSCBeef.com
While many Americans already understand beef is a delicious addition to a healthy diet, most folks don’t know just how much South Carolina raised beef adds to your plate.
Besides being rich in iron and B-vitamins (older folks are often deficient in Vitamin B-12) South Carolina beef is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, an ingredient that’s beneficial for heart health and other aspects of overall health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own. They are found in certain foods, such as fish, seafood, and grass-fed beef. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, brain health, and eye health. They can also help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found in plant-based foods, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. EPA and DHA are found in animal-based foods, such as fish, seafood, and, our favorite, grass-fed beef.
The recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids is 250 milligrams for adults and 1.6 grams for pregnant women. You don’t have to take over-the-counter supplements can get enough omega-3 fatty acids. You can also get them by eating a variety of foods that contain them naturally.
Grass-fed beef is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef has a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Too much omega-6 fatty acids can promote inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation.
A look at ‘nutrition & metabolism’
A study published in the journal “Nutrition & Metabolism” found that people who ate grass-fed beef had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood than those who ate grain-fed beef. The study also found that people who ate grass-fed beef had lower levels of inflammation.
Another study, published in the journal “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” found that people who ate grass-fed beef had lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol than those who ate grain-fed beef. The study also found that people who ate grass-fed beef had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” one we all want.
These studies suggest that grass-fed beef may have several health benefits over grain-fed beef. If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious protein source, grass-fed South Carolina beef is a great option. Besides being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, grass-fed beef is also a good source of protein and iron while being considered a “lean” meat that’s lower in saturated fat and calories.
Top Tips on how to select and savor your next meal with the king of meats:
- Look for beef that is certified by a third-party organization, such as the American Grassfed Association or the Certified Grassfed by AGW (A Greener World). This will help ensure that the beef you are buying has been raised according to strict standards.
- Read the label carefully. Some beef may be labeled as “grass-finished,” which means that the animals were fed with grass for a period before slaughter, but not necessarily raised on grass their entire lives.
- Be prepared to pay slightly more for grass-fed beef. It is typically more expensive than conventionally raised beef because of the extra time required to get them to finished weight. However, many people believe the health benefits are worth the extra cost.
- Store grass-fed beef in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after purchase or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Cook grass-fed beef to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.
