If possible, opt for high-quality organic, grass-fed, ethically sourced meats, which have better nutritional profiles and can be more environmentally friendly.
“When we eat meat, we are not only eating the animal, but we are also ingesting what the animal itself consumed in its diet. There are animals that eat a plant-based healthy organic diet, and others that eat pesticide-laden corn, wheat, and grains all day while given high amounts of antibiotics,” says registered dietitian Sarah Kassin, RD. “Therefore, it’s important to make health choices regarding the type of meat we eat so we can get the maximum benefit and the minimum harm.”
She notes that grass-fed beef is also higher in key nutrients like omega-31 and conjugated linoleic acid2 (CLA), which can both help protect against disease. “Organic grass-fed meat also has higher levels of vitamins such as vitamin E and beta-carotene,” adds Kassin. When consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet3, meat is an incredible source of antioxidants like glutathione, as well as high-quality protein.
