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Grass Fed Vs Grass Finished Meat

Grass fed vs grass finished meat

There's way too many claims on food nowadays. Even I struggle to understand what is all rally means, I believe me, I do a fair bit of research! Here to de-bunk of newest terminology is Tim White Co-owner of 1888 Certified. He explains to us the difference between Grass Fed Vs Grass Finished meat, and what that means to our health.

 

What is the difference between grass fed and grass finished meat?

Conventionally raised cattle are often given drugs and hormones to grow faster, as well as antibiotics to survive the unsanitary living conditions. Grass-fed cattle continue to live on natural pasture for the remainder of their lives. To be classified as grain fed animals need to be fed more than 60 days on grain (this has recently decreased from 100 days!). Cattle or sheep can be fed grain for less than than 60 days and be classified as Grass fed – this is the bulk of supermarket meat sold in Australia (and many butchers). Grass finished means the animal lives its entire life on pasture.

 

How does it effect meat quality?

The way cattle and sheep are fed can have a major effect on the nutrient composition of the meat. Grain-fed beef is much lower in omega-3’s and conjugated linoleic acid. Meat can be a good source of omega-3’s, if it’s grass-fed and as well as containing more healthy fats than grain fed meat. The visual difference between grain fed and grass fed meat is obvious! The grass-fed meat has higher levels of carotenoids, making the fat appear yellow. More carotenoids = more antioxidants + nutrients (and more flavour). So eat more Grass fed & FINISHED meat if you're looking for top health benefits.

Sally O'Neil - Editor in Chief

Sal is on a mission to prove that healthy and nutritious doesn’t have to be boring – and that even while staying in shape you can have your cake and eat it too. After losing 14kg from adopting a healthier lifestyle, she shares her journey with others on The Fit Foodie Blog. She also works as a commercial food photographer and stylist, is studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is the author of two cookbooks: Love Move Eat (Bauer Media, 2017) and Meal Prep Plan (Murdoch, 2019).

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