Beef gets a bad reputation. But all foods have positive attributes to contribute.
Over consumption of grain feed, antibiotic loaded red meat from high fat, char broiled or well done cuts is not healthy. However, lean cuts of organic, grass fed beef eaten in moderation are an excellent source of many nutrients.
Beef is an great source of protein providing 20-30 grams of protein in just 4 ounces. Beef is also an excellent source of vitamin B12 and a very good source of zinc and selenium. Plus, beef is a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, iron, and phosphorous.
And - contrary to popular opinion - red meat has no greater effect on blood cholesterol than the same amount of chicken or turkey.
The negative effects of eating red meat are not simply from the meat itself. There is some evidence that the manner in which the meat is prepared determines the negative health effects of eating red meat. Studies show that eating meat that has been cooked very well done had 50 to 220% greater risk of contributing to a negative health outcome than eating red meat cooked rare or medium.
Avoid broiling or grilling at high temperatures and avoid eating red meat cooked very well done. Keep your consumption of red meat like beef to 3-4 oz daily (about the size of a deck of cards) and eat only certified organic meat.
Beef is warming to the body, strengthens and builds the blood. Beef raises your life energy and is a good food to use in frail and emaciated conditions. If there is general weakness, beef will build strength.
Grain fed vs. Grass fed
Grass fed animals are usually healthier and have a healthier fatty acid profile, which contributes to less of a inflammatory effect in you when you eat meat. Grass fed meat also has higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids, which are fatty acids known to decrease cancer risk and may help people maintain a healthy weight.
When animals are grain fed the health benefits in the fat of animals greatly diminishes and contributes to pro-inflammatory, immune diminishing effects.
Grass fed animals are sometimes but not always, free range. And sometimes but not always, organic. Free range animals are healthier than those kept in confined quarters. If they are organic it means that the grass they feed on is grown without pesticides or chemicals - either on the plants or the soil itself.
The ideal is to buy and eat meat that is from an organic grass fed, free range animal. Check out your local Whole Foods Market or other trusted organic grocer for options.
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