It is a common nutrient that most of us have heard about. Some of the sources we can get it from are eggs, beef, fish, chicken and green leafy vegetables. Here is another hint; this nutrient helps reduce the chance of heart disease, reduces inflammation and aids brain function, just to name a few benefits.
Do you give up yet?
The mystery nutrient is omega-3 fatty acids and yes, it is estimated that only 40% of Americans consume adequate amounts regularly. Top that fact off with this startling fact, 20% have so little omega-3 in their blood that it can’t even be detected.
How can that happen in America?
When cattle are taken off grass and put in the feedlot the omega-3s vanish from the fat of the animals within less than 200 days. And guess what cattle are not the only ones with omega-3s disappearing from their bodies. Chickens when housed indoors and deprived of greens, their meat and eggs become low in omega-3s. Eggs from free range hens often contain 10 times more omega-3s than housed hens.
How can this be, grass is better than grain?
Omega-3s are usually thought of in seafood and certain nuts like flaxseeds and walnuts, but as we have seen they can be found in animals that are grassfed. This is because 60% of the fatty acids in grass are omega-3s. Cattle when removed from the grassy pasture and fed omega-3 poor grain lose their omega-3 fat stores very quickly.
So, what am I trying to tell you?
Grass fed animals maintain excellent levels of omega-3s. But wait! The good news does not stop there. Grassfed beef have 4 x higher levels of vitamin E, are higher in beta-carotene, higher in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, in their meat than grain fed beef. WOW, I am sold get me some more grassfed beef!
So, my advice to you is; “Stay away from the grain fed beef, eggs and poultry.”
P.S. There are some great grass fed beef and free range chicken recipes here on Cooking Gods Way, I can attest to that as I am the official food tester here. It’s a tough job, but someone…..
(Information gleaned from EatWild.com)