What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Beef?

What is the difference between grass fed and grain fed when it comes to Omega-3s?

Grass is the source of omega−3 fatty acids that are present in grass-fed cattle. When cattle do not graze on omega−3 fatty acid-rich grass and are moved to a feedlot, subsequently fattened up on omega−3 fatty acid deficient grain, they begin losing their store of this very beneficial fat.

Grass-fed animals live a life that is preferable to factory farming. This is not only because of the inhumane conditions on a factory farm, but also in how nutrition is carried in the animal itself. Factory farms are places of high stress, which affects cattle and other animals greatly. Studies have shown that increased stress on farm animals diminishes their health. It also dimishes their ability to carry nutrients. And lastly, it often requires vitamin supplements as well as antibiotics just to get them to pass inspection.

We always have specific ossification scores we only use to check for the quality of life cattle have. This metric measures how well the cow developed over its lifespan, and helps us choose the healthiest cows for the healthiest meat at Pre.

Grass fed cattle graze the open pasture

In contrast to grain-fed, factory-farmed animals, grass fed cattle graze the open pasture under wide-open skies, eating grasses that absorb nutrients from the sunshine as well as fresh water. They are spread out and live relatively stress-free existences in herds, as they have for millions of years. The grasses they are eating are not processed, high-calorie feed that is designed to bulk up the cattle prior to processing. Living grasses are high in nutrients, which haven't been leached out by silage processing, which in turn are carried all the way into the meat of the animal. 

The ALA Omega-3s go from grass to cattle, where they are processed to become other beneficial Omega-3s which humans can benefit from in grass fed & finished beef, along with amino acids, vitamins, and saturated and unsaturated fats which are essential to life.

Basically, our cows eat food with excellent nutritional properties! And as they eat and process it, their meat will be healthier, tastier, and more nutritionally beneficial to you

What is this "Omega-3" and why is it important?

Omega-3s are fatty acids, which are basically the “building blocks” of fat in our bodies. These come in three different types: ALA, EPA, and DHA. 

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is found primarily in plants, and must be converted to EPA and DHA. Cattle are great at doing this, thanks to their unique digestive systems that incorporate multiple stomachs. Humans are not able to digest and absorb ALA in the same way.
• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are animal-based fatty acids that are found in grass-fed beef. (EPA and DHA are also easier to say.)
• These fatty acids are important for brain development and function, and for your overall health and well-being. (source)
• Your body cannot make Omega-3s on its own, so you have to get an appropriate amount of Omega-3s from your diet.
• Omega-3 deficiency is serious, and has been linked to:
  • Depression
  • Lower intelligence
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Heart Disease

At Pre, the beef we source is fully loaded in omega-3s, so you can live a healthier lifestyle with our meat. Make sure to eat lots of other foods with high omega-3 content. Foods like salmon, nuts and seeds like flax and walnuts contain a lot of omega-3.

You can even take supplements like fish oil. Yet, most people get plenty of omega-3s from their diet. ESPECIALLY if you eat 100% grass fed and finished beef.

Read more: Trick or Truth: Nutrition Mythbusting

 

How is Pre different?

Back before farming became complicated—Pre-Industrialization, feedlots and antibiotics for livestock did not exist. Grass fed beef was just normal beef. It means the cattle live on the open range where they eat, drink, browse, and even play over the span of hundreds if not thousands of acres of land. Often times, side by side with their farm-mates, sheep or other animals. 

Read more: What is Regenerative Farming?

Grass fed beef is a good example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" since studies have shown that grass fed meat carries nutritional advantages over factory-farmed meat. The best meat comes from happy cows, and science backs that up!

Plus, it's just more humane. Cows that live on the open range live the same way they have for millions of years, and enjoy stress-free lifestyles. In contrast, cows in factory farms live stifling existence, are force-fed grain, and sometimes may not even be able to move more than a few feet in their pens.

Grass fed beef is delicious, better for cows, and better for the environment. On top of that, this lifestyle results in the best beef ever – and that's definitely a good thing for those who want a delicious yet healthy steak!

Pre beef is high in amino acids, vitamins, and yes, even Omega-3s. 

At Pre, we have always done what we can to consistently bring the best to your table. We source our beef only from grass-fed producers, without the use of GMOs, antibiotics, or hormones.

We do our homework in following the best practices and believe our dedication to quality and sustainable farming and ranching practices make all the difference.

Not only in how our beef tastes but the quality of nutrition you can expect from Pre. That’s why you should always shop the best meat available to you, and choose Pre instead of factory-farmed beef that’s lower in healthy, nutritious compounds.

Where can I find Grass Fed Pre Beef?

Check out our store locator to find out where you can buy Pre near you, and enjoy the tastiest beef ever! If you don't see a close location, request Pre at your local grocery store with this form.

That’s not all, though! We also have an online store where we sell our best beef ever at fantastic prices. Don’t sacrifice quality. Shop now, and choose nutritious, delicious beef from happy, grass fed cows and shop at Pre today.

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