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528 Chama, N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://www.cbass.com |
From The Desk Of Clarence Bass
By Clarence and Carol Bass
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Food Inflammation resulting from Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed Beef
The April 2026 issue of Tuft's Health & Nutrition Letter notes that a randomized trial of 36 middle-aged adults who ate 9 ounces of grass-fed ground beef, a soy-based patty, or grain-fed ground beef on alternate days showed no significant difference in inflammation markers, with all three showing the same post-meal changes. This very short "Newsbite" did not contain any other study details but noted that the study participants had blood drawn before and after each meal and all three meal options contained the same amount of fat (85% lean-to-fat ratio).
Since grass-fed beef has more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef, the researchers expected the grass-fed would yield a more favorable response because omega-3s can have anti-inflammatory effects in the body, but that was not the case. As the article notes, inflammation is a complex process, but there is some evidence to suggest that diet can have an effect on chronic inflammation which may contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers.
My Take
We rarely eat beef in our house, and would not rely on it for omega-3s which can be obtained more readily in a comparable piece of fish.
But when we do eat beef we choose grass-fed because it may be leaner overall. The question most people would ask is whether grass-fed has less saturated fat than grain-fed beef. Mayo Clinic says that both types of beef contain substantial saturated fat, and lean cuts are recommended. They go on to say that its advantage is that it has a somewhat healthier fat composition with lower LDL-raising saturated fats, and again the higher amount of omega-3s and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid which is associated with anti‑inflammatory and metabolic benefits.) Still, if your goal is heart health, it is wise to choose lean cuts, limit your portion size, and include it in a diet with plant proteins and fish, vegetables and fruit. More and more experts point to total diet, and not just one element of your diet, to make it successful. A recent Tufts article on "superfoods" (a marketing term suggesting a food has exceptional health benefits) pointed out that while kale, blueberries, chia seeds, salmon and other fatty fish, and avocados are excellent choices, they are not magical, and none are essential to health on its own. Their "benefits come from being part of an overall dietary pattern that emphasizes fruits and vegetables of many colors, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, while limiting ultraprocessed foods high in refined carbohydrates, sodium and added sugars." As I have said many times, a successful diet, just as a successful training program, is one that you enjoy and can maintain over time.
Photo by Guy Appelman
May 1, 2026 Comment on this article: FEEDBACK Ripped Enterprises, P.O. Box 51236, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87181-1236 Home | Products Index | Ripped Bks | Lean Adv. Bks | Lean For Life | Recommended Bks | |Consultations | Tapes | To Order | Feedback] Copyright © 2026 Clarence and Carol Bass. All rights reserved. |
