Grass-fed beef What are the heart-health benefits - Mayo Clinic
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Products and services Does grass-fed beef have any heart-health benefits that other types of beef don t
Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Possibly. What cattle eat affects the nutrients and fats in different types of beef. Grass-fed beef generally comes from cattle that eat only grass and other foraged foods throughout their lives. Often, conventional beef cattle eat a diet that includes grains, such as corn, at some point. When compared with other types of beef, grass-fed beef may have some heart-health benefits. Grass-fed beef may have: Lower total fat content More heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids More omega-6 fatty acid (linolenic acid) More antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E However, grass-fed beef and conventional (grain-fed) beef both contain saturated fat. Such fat has been linked to unhealthy cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat. When choosing beef - whether it's grass-fed beef or another type of beef - opt for lean beef (10% fat or less). Grass-fed beef is generally more expensive than conventional grain-fed beef. Also, there is limited long-term research to definitively prove that grass-fed beef is better for you. Talk to your health care provider or dietitian if you're thinking about adding more lean beef, including grass-fed beef, into your diet. With Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Butter vs. margarineCan vitamins help prevent a heart attack? ShareTweet June 24, 2022 Show references Smith SB, et al. Producing high-oleic acid beef and the impact of ground beef consumption on risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A review. Meat Science. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108076. Mozaffarian D. Dietary and policy priorities for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity: A comprehensive review. Circulation. 2016; doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018585. Grass fed small and very small producer program. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/grass-fed-SVS. Accessed March 22, 2021. Saturated fat. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats. Accessed March 22, 2021. Hwang Y-H, et al. Fatty acid profiles, meat quality, and sensory palatability of grain-fed and grass-fed beef from Hanwoo, American, and Australian crossbred cattle. Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources. 2017; doi:10.5851/kosfa.2017.37.2.153. Scollan ND, et al. Can we improve the nutritional quality of meat? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2017; doi:10.1017/S0029665117001112. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed March 22, 2021. Provenza FD, et al. Is grassfed meat and dairy better for human and environmental health? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2019; doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00026. O'Connor LE, et al. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern with lean, unprocessed red meat has cardiometabolic benefits for adults who are overweight or obese in a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2018; doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy075. Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 2, 2022. Nogoy KMC, et al. Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication. Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022; doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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