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Why “Grass-Fed” Doesn’t Cut It When It Comes to Beef Labels

grass fed cattle

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘grass-fed’? Or when you think about how organic beef is raised? If you imagine rolling green pastures and long, lazy days grazing, then this one’s for you. It turns out, you can’t always take a label at face value. We think everyone has the right to know what their label means. That’s why we’ve detailed why  “grass-fed” doesn’t always cut it. 

Why reading labels matters 

When the organic food label got its start in 1990, organic farmers wanted to differentiate their practices and products. But the “variations in the definition of organic from state to state” made it difficult to regulate. This lack of regulation led to any company being able to claim organic on its label whether it meets the rigorous standards or not. That means that beef and other ‘organic’ products you find in the store could say they’re all-natural, organic, certified, or any number of things and they’re only telling the partial truth. 

Some ways you can interpret the label is by understanding organic certifications and reading the fine print. And look for terms like 100% grass-fed and finished, third-party verified, GAP4 certified, and USDA certified organic. 

The difference between grass-fed and grass-finished

For now, let’s focus on the first part. Specifically, the difference between a label that says “grass-fed” and one that says “100% grass-fed and finished.” 

Grass (and grain) fed

An animal doesn’t need to eat grass its entire life to have the “grass-fed” label. Due to a lack of regulation, “as long as the cow was fed greenery at one point in its life, it can be labeled as grass-fed beef.” At one point in its life. That could be as little as one day spent grazing. More often, these animals started with a grass diet but ate grains for the remainder of their lives. So the label should technically include “grain-finished beef.” 

100% grass-fed and finished 

When the label gives not only the percentage but also says “finished” it means that from birth to butcher block, that animal ate a purely grass diet. With this diet, the meat “is ultimately the most nutrient-dense beef you can buy, and ideally what to look for when you purchase beef.” 

Oreganic’s process

At Oreganic™, we are proud of our process and stand by every label and certification we’ve earned. We meet the rigorous protocols and yearly audits to bear the USDA certified organic label. And we follow strict standards for our animals’ diets and welfare. Our animals live up to their 100% grass-fed and finished label and eat only certified organic grasses in open pastures their entire lives. Unlike many commercial animals, our animals never spend time in stressful, cramped feedlots.

We ensure the top care of our animals and top quality for our customers. And we raise our beef in the most natural way possible because we know stress-free, happy cattle produce better tasting meat (that’s better for you, too). 

Making a healthier choice 

The next time you see an organic label, make sure you understand what it’s saying––especially with subtleties like the animal’s diet. And the next time you’re craving a burger or prime rib, know that Oreganic™ stands by our labels and processes. 

Why Essential Fatty Acids Are…Well, Essential

essential fatty acids organic beef patty

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?