Differing from grain-fed beef in several ways, grass-fed beef has:
- A higher antioxidant content, including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase
- Fat that is more yellow in color, indicating higher amounts of carotenoid antioxidants
- Higher amounts of fat-soluble vitamin A and E (especially when pasture-raised)
- Lower amounts of fat.
- A healthier fatty acid profile.
- Higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
- Much less monounsaturated fat
- Up to five times as much omega-3
- Two to three times as more CLA, conjugated linoleic acid. Beef is one of the best dietary sources of CLA
Beef is similar to plants in that it contains certain health-promoting antioxidants, including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. These compounds help scavenge free radicals and fight against oxidative stress.
Beef contains Oleic acid, the same “heart-healthy” fatty acid in olive oil
Beef contains the highest amounts of Coenzyme Q10
Beef is one of the most complete dietary sources of protein, the amino acid profile being almost identical to that of our own muscles, containing all 8 essential amino acids needed for the growth and maintenance of our bodies. It also contains Carnosine, a dipeptide important for muscle function
Beef is an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iron, niacin, and vitamin B6.
- Vitamin B12: Animal-derived foods, such as beef, are the only dietary sources of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that is important for blood formation and the function of the brain and nervous system.
- Zinc: Beef is very rich in zinc, a mineral that is important for body growth and maintenance.
- Beef is rich in selenium and iron
Beef contains contains a number of bioactive substances, such as creatine and taurine
