Studies show that those inclined to eat beef should steer clear of cattle put on corn-based diets before their slaughter. Instead, grass-fed beef is the safer and healthier option for carnivores.

The outbreak of mad cow disease was due to the food given to cows. In corn-based diets, meat from contaminated cattle was mixed in and caused both cow and human to develop neurological disorders. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services it is a fatal disease with no known cure. Grass-fed beef does not encounter this issue because the cattle graze directly from pastures.

Secondly, grass-fed beef avoids the chemicals associated with regular beef. Normally cattle are injected with antibiotics to avoid illness and growth hormones, which have been linked to cancer in humans. Since grass-fed cattle have more space to roam, they are not at risk of disease from close quarters and therefore do not require any antibiotics in their diet.

Grass-fed beef is proven to be the healthier choice. It contains more omega-3 fatty acids than corn-based. These are “good” fats that can help lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. There is even some research that links omega-3s to assisting with Alzheimer’s. Since research shows that it remains longer in the meat of cattle that have been fed more grass, it is only logical that sixty percent of fatty acids in grass-fed beef are omega-3s.

There is also an environmental advantage to grass-fed beef. In order to produce food for corn-based beef, there is a severe amount of air and water pollution emitted during the harvesting and transportation of the grain. Cattle raised on pastures significantly lessen environmental distress and the animals are not exposed to any of the fertilizers or pesticides that are traditionally used in this type of farming.

Finally, there is a more selfless benefit to choosing grass-fed beef over corn-based. In the latter case cattle are packed into feedlots with hundreds or thousands of their brethren. They are not allowed to graze or spread out in pastures or meadows. Rather they are made to stand in a room, fed on previously slaughtered cows, and stuck with antibiotics until they are chosen to die. Grass-fed cattle are at least allowed some benefits and freedom.

Unfortunately, these farms are fewer in number and the beef cannot always be conveniently located in grocery stores. However, with such vital benefits regarding health, the environment and possible even compassion, meat eaters should do what they can to make it apart of their diet. Should the demand increase, then the supply will follow. Currently there are online sources to obtain it including American Grass-Fed Beef (www.americangrassfedbeef.com), GrassRoot Meats (www.grassrootmeats.com), and Tallgrass Beef (www.tallgrassbeef.com).