Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Benefits of Grass-fed Beef, Bison, Buffalo or Lamb

Large-scale livestock raising did not become the norm up until the 20^th century. Prior to this, animals meant for human consumption such as cows, goats, and sheep fed the way that nature intended them to, and that is, to graze and munch on wild grass.

Then came the need for improved food production right around the start of the Second World War. Bread got mass produced and even got fortified with nutrients to ensure nourishment. The discovery of vaccines and antibiotics resulted in livestock raising becoming an industry. Because diseases in animals can now be readily contained, the once grass-fed livestock were made to live in controlled and cramped spaces known as feedlots, and were made to eat diets comprised mostly of grains to easily fatten them up for quick harvest.

Meat products from feedlots to this day still make up the majority of the consumer market. However, demand for grass-fed beef, including grass-fed meats like bison, buffalo and lamb, is steadily increasing. And this is for good reason as including grass-fed meats in your diet offers a whole host of benefits.

Continue reading and find out more about the health benefits of grass-fed beef, bison, buffalo or lamb and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid strongly recommends you add this source of protein in your diet.

Health Benefits of Grass-fed Beef, Bison, Buffalo or Lamb:

Grass-fed meats contain higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than their feedlot-raised counterpart. Furthermore, grass-fed meats also have greater conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, a type of fat touted for its anti-cancer and heart-health benefits. Much like humans, livestock that feed on a concentration of grains end bulking up on unhealthy fat, too. This won’t be the case when you eat grass-fed meats. Because these animals graze, they end up growing leaner and with less fat and so are healthier to eat overall.

Grass-fed meats, specifically beef, have higher vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E supplementation is a common industrial livestock raising practice. As it turns out, the meat of vitamin E-supplemented cattle have richer color and lasts longer, minimizing  spoilage. Be that as it may, grass-fed beef was still found to contain higher amounts of vitamin E than the nutrient-supplemented counterpart.

Grass-fed meats, particularly beef, has been found to have lesser incidences of E. coli contamination. As it turns out, a concentrated grain diet in cattle results in an acidic gut environment making it conducive for E. coli infestation. With grass-fed livestock, on the other hand, there’s less chances of the E. coli from proliferating, hence fewer chances of contamination especially during harvest.

Practical Uses of Grass-fed Beef, Bison, Buffalo or Lamb:

Grass-fed beef, bison, buffalo, or lamb are prepared pretty much like the usual meats that come from feedlots. But most of those who eat the former swear by the richer taste of grass-fed meats. To maximize the fuller taste of grass-fed meats, here are some tips:

Grass-fed meats are leaner and so are best suited for rare to medium rare fares. If you prefer them well done, then cooking your grass-fed meats in sauce utilizing a slow cooker should help properly cook the meat yet keep it tender.

Another effective method to infuse flavor and lock in moisture is to marinate. Consider using a meat tenderizer before marinating your chosen grass-fed meat. Your choice of marinade is equally important, too. Acid is crucial in marinades as it aids in tenderizing the tough textures of lean grass-fed meats. Consider marinating in citrus juice, yogurt, and even beer.

Marinating grass-fed meat like lamb in a mixture of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon ensures maximum flavor and is in fact a common Indian and Mediterranean culinary practice.

In the next post, I’ll tell you the benefits of pasture-raised organic pork that will help you in your quest to Become Superhuman.

In the meantime, if you care to jump ahead, here is a complete listing of the protein sources on Superhuman Food Pyramid:

Eat:

• Free Range Eggs (With Yolk)

• Grass-Fed Beef, Bison or Buffalo or Lamb

• Pasture-Raised, Organic Pork

• Sardines, Anchovies or Haddock in Water or Olive Oil

• Wild Salmon, Trout, Tilapia or Flounder

• Organic Whey/Casein Protein Powder

• Organic Rice/Pea Protein Powder

• Organic Hemp Protein Powder

• Organic Yogurt (Full-Fat)

Moderate:

• Yogurt Cheese

• Raw Cheese from Grass Fed Cows

• Organic Cottage Cheese

• Naturally preserved or dried meats

• Miso, tempeh, tamari or natto

• Egg protein powder

• Soaked or sprouted beans and legumes

• Raw seeds and nuts

• Raw nut butter

Avoid:

• Non-Organic Dairy Products

• Processed Cheeses

• Non-Organic, Commercially Processed Meat

• Chemically Preserved or Dried Meats

• Protein Powders with Artificial Sweeteners

• Textured Vegetable Proteins

• Soy Protein Powder

• Tofu

• Roasted Seeds and Nuts

• Roasted Nut Butter

• Regular or Canned Beans and Legumes

If you have questions, comments or feedback about the benefits of grass-fed beef, bison, buffalo or lamb, the Superhuman Food Pyramid, this website, or other aspects of Becoming Superhuman, then leave your thoughts below, as well as any tips you have on the benefits of grass-fed beef, bison, buffalo or lamb.