FAT = BRAIN FUEL !
The most common misconception and idea that people have when they talk about red meat is that it’s all about the protein. Protein is definitely important, however the real value of our grass-fed and grass-finished beef and bison is in the healthy fats and vital nutrients they provide and that you simply can’t get from grain-fed, feedlot meat or plant-based alternatives.
Our brains are nearly 60% fat, and the type of fat that we eat has a direct impact on how well it functions. Grass-finished beef and bison are some of the best sources of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid)—the two most biologically active omega-3 fatty acids that are critical for brain health, cognitive function, and reducing inflammation.
DHA makes up a major portion of the fat in the brain and it accounts for 10-20% of the total fat in the brain, or in other words 30-40% of the total fatty acids in the gray matter of the brain! It is responsible for:
- Keeping brain cells communicating efficiently, which improves focus, learning, and memory.
- Protecting against Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive decline as we age.
- Supporting mood stability and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Our bodies can’t make DHA and the only way we can get it is from our diet. Grass-fed and finished meats are one of the few land-based sources of this critical nutrient. Grain-fed, feedlot meat, on the other hand, has almost none because the animals aren’t eating what they were meant to eat. Your body can’t make DHA and the only way you can get it is from your diet. Grass-fed and finished meats are one of the few land-based sources of this critical nutrient. Grain-fed, feedlot meat, on the other hand, has almost none because the animals aren’t eating what they were meant to eat.
EPA makes up a much smaller percentage of brain fat compared to DHA, typically less than 1% of the total fatty acids in the brain. EPA is all about reducing inflammation, which is at the root of most modern diseases. It helps and responsible for:
- Protecting the brain from oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related memory loss.
- Improving circulation and heart health by reducing blood clotting and supporting healthy blood flow.
- Regulating mood, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Grass-finished beef and bison are packed with not just DHA and EPA, but also other crucial nutrients like vitamin K2, taurine, and creatine—all of which are absent in plant-based foods and nearly wiped out in grain-fed feedlot meats. These nutrients help with:
- Bone health and calcium metabolism (Vitamin K2).
- Muscle function, endurance, and recovery (Creatine).
- Cardiovascular health and antioxidant protection (Taurine).
Too many people focus only on protein when choosing meat, but that’s like buying a truck based solely on horsepower without looking at towing capacity, fuel efficiency, or durability. Protein is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Without the right healthy fats and fat-soluble nutrients, you’re missing out on half the benefits of eating meat in the first place.
Where are you going to get your brain food from? Industrial Ag. or Grass Finished......
Feedlot-raised beef and bison (essentially all store bought meats) are fed grain-heavy diets that change the fat composition of the meat. Instead of being rich in omega-3s, they end up loaded with omega-6 fats, which promote inflammation and can negatively impact brain function, heart health, and overall well-being. If you want to stay sharp, protect your heart, and fuel your body with the nutrients it actually needs, grass-fed and grass-finished beef and bison are the way to go. It’s not just about protein—it’s about feeding your brain, supporting your health, and choosing food the way nature intended.
