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Why Essential Fatty Acids Are…Well, Essential

There’s a lot of information out there regarding nutrition. Especially essential nutrients and how to get more of them into our diets. At the top of the list? Essential fatty acids. They’re touted for their many positive benefits, including preventing heart disease, breaking down cholesterol, and regulating hormone production. And did you know you can get them from your organic, 100% grass-fed beef? Just one more reason why choosing Oreganic™ means beef that’s better for you.  

What are essential fatty acids?

You might have heard the term “good fat” tossed around a time or two and thought, how can fat be good? Ultimately it depends on the type and source. Essential fatty acids are part of the fat molecules necessary to the human diet. The two types that exist in nature are Omega-3 and Omega-6. Terms you might have read on a supplement bottle.

Why we need them

Although the human body naturally converts other fats into essential fatty acids, it can’t produce Omega-3 on its own. To maintain optimal health, we must get this from a food source. Part of what makes them so essential is that they’re “an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes.” In plain English, that means essential fatty acids are building blocks to more efficient body functions.

Let’s break that down by benefits:

Regulate blood clotting: The hormones these fatty acids create can regulate blood clotting, the contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. All things that prevent excess bleeding and damage to tissue.

Aid healthy hormone production: Hormone production has far-reaching benefits for the human body. Including proper thyroid and adrenal function. Quick refresher: your adrenal glands have a big impact on things like your immune system and blood pressure.

Breakdown of cholesterol: We all hear how high cholesterol is a bad thing. Essential fatty acids are responsible, in part, for the transport and breakdown of cholesterol. And when it comes to cardiovascular health, proper cholesterol breakdown is crucial.

Prevent heart disease and stroke: Studies have shown that these fatty acids can prevent heart disease and stroke because of the above benefits. They also “may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.”

What does all of this have to do with beef?

You might agree that essential fatty acids seem like a great addition to your diet, but we lost you when it comes to beef. The type of beef that you might pick up on a grocery run most likely is not going to cut it. Organic, 100% grass-fed beef specifically contains a ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 that’s “well within the 4:1 guidelines of a standard healthy diet.” For reference, most conventional beef has a ratio of 20:1. Far outside the guidelines.

Because our animals are 100% grass-fed and finished, our Oreganic Beef™ products contain up to six times the amount of these fatty acids when compared to grain-fed beef. They also contain two to three times the Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). Which is a strong nutritional defense against cancer and has the potential to decrease heart disease risk.

Choosing Oreganic™

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we’re in the business of beef that’s better for you. When you buy from Oreganic™, you can expect a product that tastes better and contains more of the essential fatty acids that are crucial to your overall health. Steak for dinner, anyone?