Is grass fed beef more nutritious than grain fed beef?
All beef provides 14 essential nutrients plus energy. Preliminary studies have shown that grass fed beef has elevated levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). More research is required to determine whether these increased levels are high enough to provide positive health benefits.
I heard that beef takes 3 to 4 days to digest. Is this true?
A cut of beef is mainly made up of water and protein, with smaller amounts of fat and other vitamins and minerals. After we eat, the body is busy working to break down and absorb the nutrients in food. Protein is the main nutrient in beef. Protein is broken down into amino acids in the stomach and then absorbed in the small intestine. This whole process takes only about 4-12 hours. (The fat, vitamins and minerals are also digested within this time frame).
Protein helps us to grow, fight infections and to build and repair muscle and other tissue. Our bodies need protein and our digestive system is naturally built to digest and absorb it.
Red meat is just as easily absorbed as other sources of protein such as chicken, fish, and pork. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide recommends 1 to 3 servings of Meat & Alternatives each day - one serving is:
- 75 grams (2 ½ oz) of lean meat, fish, shellfish or poultry
- 175 mL (¾ cup) cooked legumes (dried peas and beans), lentils or tofu
- 2 eggs
- 60 mL (¼ cup) nuts and seeds
- 30 mL (2 tablespoons) peanut butter
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommends 1-3 servings of Meat & Alternatives daily. How much is a 75 gram serving of beef?
A serving of 75 gram cooked lean beef is about the same size as:
- 125 mL (½ cup)
- two lipsticks