Today, most commercially available meats are factory farmed because it's fast, convenient and more profitable. But factory farming is creating a host of problems.

Eating organic animal products is always better than eating regular, factory-farmed feedlot animals. Unfortunately, even organic products can be from animals that are raised in confinement and fed grains. On the plus side, at least the feed doesn't contain cost-saving restaurant waste, animal byproducts, municipal garbage, bubble gum and poultry manure, as it does in regular feedlots.

Originally, all cattle were grass-fed, which is what they were meant to eat - grasses and forbs. Grazing animals such as cows, sheep, goats and bison possess a rumen, or a four-chamber stomach, which is like a fermentation tank. In the rumen, bacteria convert the grasses and other plant materials into proteins and fats.

When you feed these ruminant animals large amounts of grain, all sorts of problems occur. In particular, it makes their digestive tracts acidic and they develop a condition called "acute acidosis." This results in the animals experiencing diarrhea and excessive salivation. They may kick at their bellies, eat dirt and go off their feed. We also know this acidic environment encourages the development of E. coli bacteria. This is why feedlot animals need to be given constant antibiotics and is one of the reasons why humans experience problematic bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Switching ruminants from their natural diet of grasses to grains also lowers their nutritional value. (Read about the "Benefits of Grass-Fed Meats ?" below.) When you choose grass-fed beef, lamb, bison or poultry, you're eating nutritious and healthy meats, as nature intended.

Benefits of Grass-fed Meats over Grain-fed

I. Better for your health.

a.) More omega-3 fatty acids and their many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory action.
b.) Less omega-6 fatty acids and their pro-inflammatory propensity.
c.) More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), another good fatty acid that reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes and obesity. The human body can't produce CLA, but you can obtain it through foods such as whole milk, butter and beef. Studies show grass-fed cows have 500% more CLA in their milk than those fed silage.
d.) More vitamin E.
e.) Less total fat (six to eight times less) and therefore fewer calories. Grass-fed beef often has the same amount of fat as skinless chicken breast. f.) No antibiotics, animal by-products, hormones or other drugs.

II. Better for the environment - less pollution of air, ground and water.

III. Better for the animals - more humane treatment with fresh air, green pastures and sunshine.

The original version of this article appeared in Dr. Lipman's September newsletter, available through his website: www.lipmanworld.com Lipman is author of the book Total Renewal. US Wellness Meats is pleased to feature Dr. Frank Lipman's recent newsletter concerning practical suggestions for extending life by healthy nutrition. Grass-fed beef is only one of several excellent suggestions. We hope you take time to explore and open the good doctor's website and sign up for an excellent newsletter.