By Julie Tomascik
We have a menu of options when it comes to food. And beef is no exception.
Choices are evident when we browse the meat counter at the grocery store. Different cuts, various amounts of marbling and package sizes—just to name a few.
But there are also two big categories: grain-fed and grass-fed.
The difference?
Preference.
It’s that simple. Those buying decisions demand farmers and ranchers bring a diverse supply to grocery stores.
And we’re happy to do so.
My husband and I raise cattle that enter both grain-fed and grass-fed markets.
But I choose grain-fed beef when I’m at the meat counter. I like the taste, and the price better fits my budget. And, according to a Texas A&M University study, there are no significant health benefits that make one superior to the other.
On the price side, grass-fed beef is usually a little more expensive. That’s because grass-fed cattle don’t grow as efficiently as conventionally raised, grain-fed cattle.
There are, however, slight nutritional differences. But nothing to hang your hat on.
It’s just important to keep protein in your meals, and both are an excellent source for that and other key nutrients. Not to mention it’s a tasty way to enjoy the good times and satisfy hunger cravings, too!
Julie,
I experienced eating grass fed beef in 1974 in Australia and didn’t like its taste compared to our corn fed beef we had in the US. However, I received a two hour science lesson from Dr. Couey a retired bio/chemist from Baylor explaining how protein having been fed GMO grains doesn’t digest the same way. He explained how farm raised fish, chicken, pork were all especially impacted. For example farm raised salmon (having been fed GMO grain pellets) didn’t result in Omega 3’s but Omega 6’s. Not good! Test did show that beef wasn’t as greatly impacted possibly because of cattle having 4 parts to it’s stomach (cud chewing). However, it still didn’t digest as well as non-GMO fed beef.
I went on a GMO free diet and my high blood pressure and high cholesterol went to normal in just three weeks.
There is a difference in grass fed vs grain fed when it comes to your health.
If you reply to me, I could send you before and after pictures of my blood. The difference is remarkable. After seeing that, you may want to interview Dr. Couey. I could pass on his contact information to you.
Best regards,
Clyde Sebastian
Hi, Clyde. I appreciate your comments. I raise cattle for both markets. I believe both have their place, because some consumers prefer one over the other. But I still choose grain-fed. I like the taste and Texas A&M University’s study showed no scientific evidence to support that grass-fed ground beef is a healthier alternative.
I’d be interested to see links to Dr. Couey’s study and peer reviews.
GMO foods have been proven safe to consume. There are many causes to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, but I am glad you have both under control.
Keep eating grass-fed beef. Those ranchers, myself included, thank you.