In today’s world of mass food production, the quality of the meat and animal products we consume is more important than ever. Choosing high-quality meat and dairy not only impacts your health but also impacts the environment and local economy. Let’s explore common keywords to look out for when shopping for animal products.
A keyword to look for when shopping for beef and dairy is “grass-fed” and as a bonus, “grass finished”. This indicates that the cows are raised on a diet of grass and forage, as opposed to grain-based feed used in conventional farming. This difference in diet has profound effects on the nutritional quality of the meat and milk, as the digestive systems of these animals prefers grass over grains. The other reason why this is beneficial is because so many of the grains produced for animal feed are loaded with pesticides, causing inflammation in the animals that ultimately gets transferred to us as we eat them.
So what’s the benefit?
- Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef and dairy are richer in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce overall inflammation in the body. A 2016 study in The British Journal of Nutrition found that grass-fed beef contained up to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.
- Better Antioxidant Profile: this way of farming produces higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, essential for combating oxidative stress.
- Better for the Environment: Grass-fed cattle are typically raised using more sustainable farming practices, which help improve soil health and promote biodiversity compared to conventional operations. The cows are generally treated more ethically as well, leading to less stress hormones in the animals, and ultimately, in us!
- Improved Gut Health: Grass-fed dairy is often richer in probiotics and beneficial bacteria, especially in raw or minimally processed forms, which support digestion and a healthy microbiome, ultimately strengthening your immune system.
How do I find such products?
There are many great options these days when it comes to finding higher quality meat and dairy. My personal preference is buying local! Finding a trustworthy farmer and supporting your local community while getting high quality food is a win-win-win! Check out your local farmers market or explore some local butcher shops to find your favorite supplier. A lot of times farmers will even sell portions of a whole cow you can store for the whole year! Some other good companies that deliver high quality meat are: Butcher Box, White Oak Pastures, and Wild Pastures. I will provide the links below. For more resources, message your provider, or set up an appointment with our in-house nutrition team! We are here to educate, inform, and help you restore joy through nutrition.
References & Resources:
Meat delivery companies-
Articles-
Van Vliet, S., Provenza, F. D., & Kronberg, S. L. (2021). Health-promoting phytonutrients are higher in grass-fed meat and milk. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). Omega-3 fatty acids and health. Nutrients.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
