GRASS FED OR GRAIN FED BEEF: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOU?
Manning, R (2009, April/May). The amazing benefits of grass fed meat. MOTHER EARTH NEWS 48-56. Retrieved from http://motherearthnews.com
The author looks at all the benefits of grass fed beef versus grain fed. The article states all the benefits of grass fed over grain fed cattle. It clearly states his position of not only it having more vitamins and minerals, but also it is environmentally better overall for the earth. With the cattle being able to roam freely in an open area there is less chance for the animals to develop e-coli, and also prevents the usage of antibiotics for animals to prevent diseases.
Robbins, J., & robbins,o (2012, December 19). The truth about grass fed beef. THE FOOD REVOLUTION NETWORK. Retrieved from http://foodrevolution.com
These authors go into great detail on the differences of grass fed versus grain fed beef. There thoughts carry you through the beginning stages of both grass and grain fed cows, and the environmental and health issues of both. There main focus is on not only the health benefits of grass fed over grain fed, but also putting emphasis on health of cows and the poor conditions these cattle have to endure during the duration of life.
Cacal,j (2013, October 4). The benefits of grain and grass fed beef. Buedel Meat up. Retrieved from http://buedelmeatup.com
This article specifically talks about the different feeding methods of both grain and grass fed cattle. They note the difference stating that grain fed cattle in most cases eats a formula of good which is 75 percent corn grain. They reach goal weight at 18-24 months with the help of feedlots which are specifically designed to gather cattle for this purpose alone. They discovered these cattle that were in feedlots were under a great deal of stress because of the animals living conditions. Which is the grass fed cattle start on grass and remain on grass until they reach harvest weight. This process takes 30-36 months of age. In addition to the animals having better conditions overall, they are noted to be much leaner than regular grain fed cattle. The benefits were noted as far as higher in beta-carotene and vitamin a. The positive note for the grain fed over the grass fed were the cooking methods that grain fed can be put under is much more full of variety.
Cross,k (2011, March 29). The grass fed versus grain fed debate. COOKING LIGHT. Retrieved from http://cnn.com
In this particular piece they look at the meat politics and differences in the price, taste, and nutrition of the two. They discovered that in supermarkets the grass fed beef can more noticeably a lot more expensive than the grain fed meat. To dodge this issue it was brought up that if you purchased the grass fed in bulk, this could be a substantial savings for you. When they cooked the grass fed meat it seemed darker in color, and had less marbling than regular grain fed beef. As far as the nutrition standpoint, it stood out to be much leaner than the grain fed, but not quite as forgiving with some cooking methods because of the leanness in the meat. The one benefit of the grain fed was specifically the turnaround time for the farmer from birth to slaughter process. The grain fed cattle that fed in feedlots put weight on quicker than the grass fed, which means quicker profits for the farmer and the grocery store. Another key factor in examaning the grass or grain fed beef were the breed and the cow, just not how they were fed.
Smith,s,. Texas a& m university,. (2014, March 29). Ground beef from grass fed and grain fed cattle: Does it matter? VALLEY POWERED SUN TIMES. Retrieved from http://magicvalley.com
Researchers from the Department of Animal Science at Texas A & M have published there finding of the differences of grass and grain fed meat. They looked at things like levels in omega 3 fatty acids (which are the good fats). They found out that the grass fed cattle were more plentiful in these omega 3’s. Another strong feature of the grain fed cattle, was the fact that they found overall the grass fed cattle to be higher in saturated and trans-fat. They compared the two and found out in comparison to the fatty acid composition of ground beef from grain and grass fed cattle, that the total fat for grain fed was 10 to 15 percent total fat. They also took into account different cancer causing things such as the ALA levels of both groups and how they compared. It was there opinion the the claims of grass fed over grain was based on unsubstantial evidence.
Robbins, j.m & robbins, o. (2012, December 19). The truth about grass fed beef. THE FOOD REVOLUTION NETWORK. Retrieved from http://foodrevolution.org
These two authors talked opening about first and foremost the feeding conditions of these two different groups of cattle. They discussed how horrified they were and seeing the grain fed cattle in the feedlots. They talked about from the years of 1997 to 2005 the taxper subsidized grain prices saved feedlots and other CaFOs (Confined Animal Feeding operation) $35 billion. Also noted in article is the traditionally all beef was grass-fed beef, but times have changed, and now because of certain policies in place almost all the beef is feedlot beef. They touch on key factors such as disease caused from feedlots and what corn does specifically to a cow’s digestive tract, and how this in turn affects the average consumer because of the threat of e-coli in the beef. They nutrition was of their opinion to be not as superior to grass fed beef, because of all the confinement of the animals. The taste was a big factor saying it often tasted, “like ammonia, gamey, bitter, liverish, old, rotten, and sour. The authors discussed the price issue with the grass fed over the grain fed cattle.
Asprey,d. (2015, July). Why grass-fed meat is healthier than grain-fed: An epic series. BULLETPROOF EXECUTIVE. Retrieved from http://bulletproofexecutive.com
David Asprey talks about all the benefits of grass-fed over grain-fed, and how they totally different foods. He then goes into specifics about all the good for not only the health benefits but also the benefits of the environment. This article also draws to your attention how serious this really can be for the general public, based on the fact these grain fed animals are not only living in very poor living conditions but also are being fed in addition to their corn based grain, garbage in a lot of cases, They are getting” fed stale breads, cereal, chicken feathers, or city garbage”.
Kresser, C (2013, March29). Why grass-fed trumps grain fed. LET’S TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH. Retrieved from http://chriskresser.com
This talks about the different omega 3 and 6 in both the grass and grain fed cattle. The article states the various other differences between the two. Pointing directly to all the positive as far as nutrient dense grass fed is over grain fed cattle. All in all you get more bang for your buck with spending a little bit of extra for the grass fed. Eventually saving in the long run from preventing certain diseases, focusing on all the wonderful healthy things you get from the grass-fed form of cattle.
Miller,p (2010, June 3). Health benefits of grass-fed vs grain fed beef. CATTLE MANAGEMENT. Retrieved from http://cattlemanagement.com
This article showed no negative side effects to eating grass-fed beef. One thing noted was they did find many positive effects in men that consumed ground beef from corn fed cattle. One specifically positive thing is the HDL with men that consumed corn fed cattle was significantly higher. HDL is the good cholesterol that your body needs. Both groups portrayed positive effects of cardiovascular benefits.
Lagakos,w(2013, December 11). Is grass-fed beef worth the extra money? BUILTLEAN. Retrieved from http://huffpost.com
This talks about the controversy between the differences between grain and grass fed beef. It notes the 2 to 3 times more expensive to eat grass-fed over grain fed. But is the high price of grass fed beef worth all the hype? They go into detail of the different ways you can feed cattle. They can be all grass fed from birth to slaughter, or started on grass then finished on grain, or all grain (or corn fed). The notes taken were grass fed is a better choice for some. It is also nice to have a choice between the different cattle.