Watching what you eat has become a big part of American life, with more and more people trying to make healthy choices or lose weight. The food industry has spent the last decade marketing all kinds of products to health-conscious and weight-conscious consumers – and “low fat” has become synonymous with healthy.

Fat is bad for you, right? That’s the common wisdom. But the truth is that the latest research shows that fats aren’t all bad. In fact, some fats are so good for you, you can’t live without them!

Among these good fats are omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in omega-3s include walnuts, flax seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, and coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, sturgeon, and anchovies. And here’s a surprise: omega-3s are also found in grass-fed beef.

Omega 3s: the secret healthy ingredient in grass-fed beef

Grass-fed beef is raised on a grass-only diet. At Greensbury, our grass-fed beef is also certified organic, raised on family farms in free-range pastures, and dry aged for 21 days for maximum tenderness and flavor.

If you’re asking yourself whether most cows eat grass, the answer is yes. But most cattle are raised on a diet enriched with grain, which produces the characteristic marbling and rich taste of steakhouse-style beef.

So why choose grass-fed beef? It’s good for the environment, and it’s good for the animals, which are naturally grass-only eaters. But grass-fed beef is also good for your health. Grass-fed beef is slightly higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies indicate may help prevent heart disease and bolster the immune system. And grass-fed beef is one of the richest known sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which recent data suggest may help prevent breast cancer, diabetes and other ailments.

Benefits of Omega 3s

Omega-3s improve health by encouraging the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation in the joints, the bloodstream, and the tissues. The benefits of omega-3s include:

• reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
• helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• helping to reduce joint pain and other rheumatoid problems
• potentially boosting the immune system and helping protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease.

Cooking with Omega 3s

If you want to create a meal truly rich in omega 3s, consider serving the following with your grass-fed beef:

• spinach salad with walnuts and dried cranberries
• whole grain bread enriched with flaxseed
• appetizer of smoked salmon or seared tuna
• anything made with eggs rich in omega 3s

Looking for a dessert that packs a healthy punch?  Try a Walnut Torte With Coffee Whipped Cream, made with a minimal number of ingredients…and lots of walnuts.

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