Many think red meat is a no no when it comes to achieving glowing skin via diet. While vegetables and fruits can be cleansing, meat provides specific and easily available nutrients that are not readily found in plant foods. It also depends on the quality of the meat that makes all the difference in how it effects your skin, body and overall health.
The nutrition difference in grass fed beef compared to grain fed beef is significant. Take a look at the chart below at how the amount of omega 3 fats virtually disappear when cattle are in a feedlot and fed grains. And you can bet that the grains these animals are consuming are the cheapest, lowest quality and most subsidized crops in the US, including GMO corn, soy and wheat.
Source: www.americangrassfedbeef.com
Grass fed beef has significantly higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids than grain fed beef. The reason here is because the grass and plants that the cows are feeding off contain the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), therefore cows on pasture typically get higher levels of ALA in their diet. This ALA then transfers to the animal products we consume such as the meat, milk, cheese or yogurt from animals feeding off pasture. So now you have more options other than just fish to get your omegas!
Red meat in general has a bad reputation, but I believe a large part of it is due to most research, studies and documentaries using conventional feedlot raised animals. The results are then obviously in favor of meat being harmful. It’s like anything you don’t take care of properly, including our bodies. If you put junk into your body, you can’t expect it to give you a long healthy life, it’s the same thing when we consume unhealthy animals raised in unhealthy and unsustainable environments.
Grass fed beef can be incredibly healthy. Those who do not feel well after consuming meat in general, may be due to having a sluggish digestion, and may not be able to break down and absorb animal protein as efficiently, although with the right support this can be fixed. Grass fed beef has many beneficial nutrients to support skin health, and twice as high in nutrients as conventional beef, such as Omega 3 fats, antioxidants Zinc and Selenium, Iron, Vitamin E, B vitamins (choline and B12) and Beta-carotene.
“The relationship between beta-carotene and grass-fed beef is so strong that some researchers have suggested that the yellowish color of fat in grass-fed beef can be used as a good way to determine the extent to which animals have been pasture-fed.” Source
This is one of my favorite and simple recipes using grass fed beef. Perfect to make in large quantities to have leftovers for lunch!
Garlic Beef Stuffed Peppers
- 16 oz Grass fed Ground Beef
- 4-5 Red Bell Peppers (or any other color)
- 8 Garlic cloves, minced (Garlic Powder may also be used)
- 1 small Onion, diced (Onion Powder may also be used)
- 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adds spice, optional)
- 1-2 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1 tbsp Ground Pepper
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic for another minute and remove from heat.
- Mix all spices: cayenne, cumin, salt, pepper, and parsley together in a bowl. Add in ground beef and coconut aminos. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer meat mixture into skillet with onions and garlic and mix everything together.
- Cut tops of red peppers off leaving a wide enough opening to insert mixture. Arrange peppers standing upright in a baking dish, then distribute and stuff peppers with filling evenly.
- Place in oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the internal temperature of the stuffed peppers is 150-160°F and peppers are soft, but not mushy.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies. Enjoy!
Looking for more simple grain and dairy free ideas?
Check out the Autoimmune Paleo cookbook free of major food sensitivities and great for those struggling with any health issue!
Sources: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=141