Food security is “when all people at all times have physical, social and economic access to food, which is safe and consumed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet their dietary needs and food preferences, and is supported by an environment of adequate water and sanitation, health services and care, allowing for healthy and active life (Committee of Food Security, 2012).
Because it provides people all around the world with protein and vital nutrients, beef production is an important factor in improving food security. Particularly in nations with low or medium incomes, livestock—particularly beef cattle—contributes substantially to agricultural production and livelihoods.
BENEFITS OF PASTURE-RAISED BEEF VS FEEDLOT BEEF
The traditional saying "you are what you eat" has lost its significance…
It's important to pay attention to what your ‘food’ is eating.
An animal's dietary choices have a significant influence not only on the subsequent four generations of its offspring but also on the individual who consumes its meat.
A common belief is that organic products are synonymous with being healthy and safe. They make the assumption that the animals are consuming nutritious food, and hence, the meat is also nutritious. However, I regret to inform you that this is not true for certain kinds of meat, such as beef.
Cattle are herbivorous animals that have adapted to consume grass and other green forages through the process of rumination. They were not intended to consume grains (not even organic grains!) Grain-based diets that are not natural have a negative impact on the absorption of minerals and disrupt the functioning of the digestive and metabolic processes.
Grain-based diets specifically lower the pH of the digestive system, which hampers the growth of crucial bacteria responsible for producing CLA or conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a powerful antioxidant that research suggests may help combat heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Research indicates that pasture-raised beef has 3 to 5 times higher levels of CLA compared to grain-fed beef. This disparity is reflected in the fact that Americans consume much lower amounts of CLA compared to individuals in countries where grass-fed beef is more prevalent.
Pasture-raised beef is additionally enriched with 2 to 5 times higher levels of Omega-3, an essential fatty acid. The term "essential" is used to describe this type of fat since it is necessary for the body's functioning, yet it cannot be synthesized internally. Crucially, the proportion of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids plays a significant role in determining your overall health. An imbalance in this ratio might increase your vulnerability to inflammatory disorders, cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
In the distant past, our predecessors who hunted and gathered food had a diet with a ratio that was nearly equal to 1:1. However, due to the widespread use of vegetable oils and the practice of feeding corn and other grains to cattle for weight gain, there has been a shift in the ratio towards a higher amount of Omega-6 fatty acids. The estimated average ratios today range from 10:1 to 20:1, depending on one's diet. To enhance your Omega-3 consumption, incorporating pasture-raised beef into your diet is highly recommended.
Pasture-raised cattle possess a higher concentration of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which serve as crucial precursors for vitamin A. In addition, they provide higher amounts of vitamin E, glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Lastly, beef that is reared in pastures provides a far superior source of essential trace minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus.
It is crucial to understand that grain-fed beef is predominantly produced in feedlots. It is not unusual to encounter over 100,000 cattle packed into a solitary feedlot. Furthermore, apart from being fed with diets that are not natural to them, these animals are also administered growth hormones and prophylactic antibiotics. This precaution is taken by the feedlot owner to prevent the chance of one sick animal spreading infection to thousands of others.
Oftentimes, these medications are not eliminated from the animal's system prior to slaughter, resulting in their presence on your dining table and subsequent ingestion by your family. This can pose a significant risk for young children who have undeveloped immune systems.
Therefore, to prioritize both your own well-being and the health of your family, it is advisable to consistently opt for pasture-raised beef instead of grain-fed. Furthermore, ensure that it is of organic origin and has been produced in a pasture.
If you want to save money, time, and gain peace of mind knowing where your food came from, we're here for you.