Grass-fed and pastured food is infinitely more nutritious than feedlot, caged and factory raised.
Grass-fed/Pastured Compared to Caged/Feedlot/Factory Raised:
*Beef –lower in total fat, saturated fat, calories and cholesterol; higher in vitamins C and E, thiamin, riboflavin, conjugated linoleic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) calcium, magnesium, potassium and beta carotene.
*Chicken – higher in Vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids, lower in fat
*Eggs – at least 2xs higher in omega 3 fatty acids, 3-6xs more vitamin D, 2/3 more vitamin A, higher in folic acid and vitamin B12, and 7xs more beta carotene; 1/3 lower in cholesterol, ¼ lower in saturated fat; the yolks are the richest known source of the antioxidant vitamins lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential to eye health – the deeper the yellow-orange of the yolks, the of these nutrients and eye protection offered – crack open a factory farmed egg and a pastured one and see the difference for yourself
*Milk – Up to 5xs more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), higher in vitamins and antioxidants, lower in “bad” fats” and higher in “good fats,” and natural probiotic and enzyme activity (many people who are “lactose intolerant” find this only applies to factory processed milk, not pastured raw milk)
*Cheese – 4xs higher in CLA and richer in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients
*Butter – higher in vitamins A, E, beta-carotene and CLA – the naturally golden color is a clear indicator of its superior nutritional content
Food for Thought:
*CLA – conjugated linoleic acid is associated with a 50% lower risk of heart attack, healthier weight, and has cancer-fighting properties as well
*Vitamin D – research links vitamin D with strong bones, improved mood, lower blood pressure, enhanced immune system, and lower risks of some autoimmune disorders. It may also combat cancer
*Researched has linked vitamin E with lower risks of cancer and heart disease, as well as anti-aging
*Grass-fed animals are much less likely to transmit E. Coli
*Store-bought eggs that say “certified organic” or “uncaged” or “Gree-range” or “all-vegetarian” is not a guarantee that the hens were pastured. Furthermore, chickens are NOT vegetarians. The superior nutritional content of truly pastured eggs comes from a combination of eating fresh greens and bugs, as well as soaking in sunlight.
*Grass-fed has a healthier ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids – omega 6 fatty acids when consumed in the high levels that have become typical of the American diet are linked with obesity, diabetes, cancer and a host of inflammatory diseases. Grain fed animals are a major source of omega 6 fatty acids, as are vegetable oils like corn, safflower and cottonseed (not olive).
Eat for Health:
Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, E, CLA, Omega 3 fatty acids, and countless other nutrients that we COULD and SHOULD be getting from our food. This is largely because the typical American diet of factory and feedlot raised animals along with processed chemicals is deficient in these and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Eat real food, choose grass-fed sources, and viola – good health becomes easy, and delicious!