Red meat, particularly grass-fed beef, has been a part of human diets forever!! It hasn’t been until recent times that we have tried to shift away from beef and lean towards a highly processed carbs, and meat, alternative meat diet! Beef has been a staple food for many cultures, providing essential nutrients and minerals that are essential for a healthy body. In recent years, red meat has been demonized by some health experts, who claim that it is bad for your health. However, new studies have shown that grass-fed beef and wild game meat continue to be incredibly beneficial to your health.
Minerals & Micro-Nutrients
Grass-fed beef and wild game meat are rich in essential minerals and micro-nutrients that are vital for good health. These include iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body; it helps maintain energy levels; and it plays a vital role in immune function and cognitive development. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system; it is necessary in order for the production of Testosterone; and it helps play a role in protein synthesis & DNA repair. Magnesium is vital for muscle building, nerve function, blood sugar regulation and blood pressure; additionally, magnesium helps with proper sleep quality. Selenium helps to protect against oxidative damage, thyroid metabolism and immune function.
In addition to these minerals, grass-fed beef is also high in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are important for brain health, and they can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Grass-fed beef is also lower in saturated fats than conventionally raised beef, making it a healthier choice for those concerned about their cholesterol levels. However, saturated fat and cholesterol are necessary for health and wellness.
Cholesterol is GOOD!
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not bad for you. In fact, cholesterol is essential for the production of hormones like testosterone and estrogen. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, while HDL cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from your body. Research has shown that consuming grass-fed beef can increase HDL cholesterol levels, while reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Is it really because grass-fed beef is lower in overall fat, and the fat it does contain is a healthier type of fat than what is found in conventional beef?
“Although data demonstrates that grass-fed beef is overall significantly leaner and possesses a higher percentage of linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) per total fatty acids (FAs), grain-fed beef consumers may achieve similar intakes of both omega-3s and CLA through consumption of higher fat grain-fed beef cuts”
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Although grass-fed has been argued to be better than grain fed beef, mainly as a result of lower inflammation and higher CLA and linoleic acid, red meat in general is a better meat than poultry as a result of multiple factors that I have mentioned. Do not get caught up in the mainstream hype against beef as most of its claims are unfounded and simply false! Fake meat is not good and it does not replace the health benefits you get from beef, particularly grass-fed beef!
Beef & Testosterone
One of the most significant benefits of grass-fed beef is its impact on testosterone production. Testosterone is an essential hormone for muscle growth and development, and it is also important for maintaining bone density and cognitive function. Studies have shown that grass-fed beef can help to increase testosterone levels in men, making it an excellent food for, but not limited to, athletes and bodybuilders. As recent research has shown men have seen a significant reduction in their testosterone levels over the past 50 years.
An article first posted in the New York Times titled, Sperm Count in Western Men has Dropped Over 50 Percent Since 1973, written by Maya Salam, where they reported on research that tracked men from 1973 to 2011 to track their Testosterone levels. (1) What they found was a 1% decrease in Testosterone levels per year. Is it all the endocrine disrupting chemicals that are causing this? Who knows, well most likely, but either way it is a problem and getting back to our ancestral beef eating days could be a huge help!!
Choose Wisely
It's important to note that the specific amounts of these minerals and vitamins can vary depending on the type of meat and how it was raised/processed. However, red meat is generally a good source of these essential nutrients. However, here's a list of some of the specific minerals and vitamins found in red meat:
Minerals:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Copper
Vitamins:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Pantothenic acid
- Vitamin D
Grass-fed beef and wild game meat are incredibly beneficial for your health. They are high in essential minerals and micro-nutrients, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation in the body. Grass-fed beef is also an excellent source of protein and can help to increase testosterone levels in men. Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not bad for you, and grass-fed beef can help to increase "good" cholesterol levels while reducing "bad" cholesterol levels. So, the next time you're looking for a healthy and nutritious meal, consider adding grass-fed beef or wild game meat to your diet.
Bullets of Benefits from the Micro-Nutrients and Minerals in Red Meat!!
Iron
- Essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body
- Helps maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue
- Plays a role in immune function and cognitive development
Zinc:
- Important for wound healing and immune function
- Helps maintain healthy skin and vision
- Plays a role in protein synthesis and DNA repair
- Zinc is a mineral that has been linked to boosting testosterone levels. It plays a role in the production and release of testosterone, and studies have shown that supplementing with zinc can increase testosterone levels in men with zinc deficiency or low testosterone levels.
Magnesium:
- Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production and muscle contraction
- Helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- May improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
Phosphorus:
- Important for bone and teeth health
- Involved in energy production and DNA synthesis
- Helps maintain acid-base balance in the body
Selenium:
- Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage by free radicals
- May help reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease
- Plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function
Eat 2-3 Brazil Nuts per day to get this in!!
Potassium:
- Helps regulate fluid balance in the body
- Important for muscle and nerve function
- May help reduce the risk of stroke and kidney stones
Copper:
- Important for the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues
- Acts as an antioxidant and helps maintain healthy skin and hair
- Plays a role in iron metabolism and immune function
Vitamin B12:
- Essential for the formation of red blood cells and DNA
- Helps maintain nerve function and cognitive health
- May improve mood and energy levels
Vitamin B6:
- Involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body, including protein metabolism and immune function
- Helps maintain healthy skin, vision, and nervous system
- May reduce symptoms of PMS and morning sickness
Niacin:
- Helps convert food into energy
- Plays a role in DNA repair and hormone synthesis
- May help reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health
Riboflavin:
- Important for energy production and cell growth and repair
- Helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system
- May reduce the frequency and severity of migraines
Thiamin:
- Essential for energy metabolism and nerve function
- Helps maintain healthy skin and muscle tone
- May improve cognitive function and mood
Pantothenic acid:
- Involved in energy production and hormone synthesis
- Helps maintain healthy skin and hair
- May improve athletic performance and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety
Vitamin D:
- Essential for the absorption of calcium and bone health
- Helps regulate immune function and reduce inflammation
- May reduce the risk of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.
SOURCE
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