Possibly. What cattle eat affects the nutrients and fats in different types of beef. Grass-fed beef generally comes from cattle that eat only grass and other foraged foods throughout their lives.
Often, conventional beef cattle eat a diet that includes grains, such as corn, at some point. When compared with other types of beef, grass-fed beef may have some heart-health benefits. Grass-fed beef may have:
- Lower total fat content.
- More heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- More omega-6 fatty acid called linolenic acid.
- More antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E.
However, grass-fed beef and conventional beef, called grain-fed, both contain saturated fat. Such fat has been linked to unhealthy cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat.
When choosing beef — whether it's grass-fed beef or another type of beef — opt for lean beef. Lean beef has 10% fat or less. Grass-fed beef is generally more expensive than conventional grain-fed beef. Also, there is limited long-term research to definitively prove that grass-fed beef is better for you. Talk to your healthcare professional or dietitian if you're thinking about adding more lean beef, including grass-fed beef, into your diet.
Show References
- Smith SB, et al. Producing high-oleic acid beef and the impact of ground beef consumption on risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A review. Meat Science. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108076.
- Mozaffarian D. Dietary and policy priorities for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity: A comprehensive review. Circulation. 2016; doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018585.
- Grass fed small and very small producer program. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/grass-fed-SVS. Accessed March 22, 2021.
- Saturated fat. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats. Accessed March 22, 2021.
- Hwang Y-H, et al. Fatty acid profiles, meat quality, and sensory palatability of grain-fed and grass-fed beef from Hanwoo, American, and Australian crossbred cattle. Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources. 2017; doi:10.5851/kosfa.2017.37.2.153.
- Scollan ND, et al. Can we improve the nutritional quality of meat? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2017; doi:10.1017/S0029665117001112.
- 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed March 22, 2021.
- Provenza FD, et al. Is grassfed meat and dairy better for human and environmental health? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2019; doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00026.
- O'Connor LE, et al. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern with lean, unprocessed red meat has cardiometabolic benefits for adults who are overweight or obese in a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2018; doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy075.
- Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 2, 2022.
- Nogoy KMC, et al. Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication. Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022; doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/grass-fed-beef/faq-20058059