by Al Sears, MD
Conventional wisdom tells you to avoid fat whenever possible, especially saturated animal fat. That's too bad. Your body needs fat. It's essential to life. The real problem is that our modern world changed the character of fat. For millions of years, red meat has been humankind's primary source of fat and protein. But today, nutrition "experts" tell you it's deadly. How can that be? Did our bodies change? No. The red meat has changed.
Commercial cattle are fed grain because it's cheap and it fattens them up quickly. Substituting grain for their natural diet of greens makes the animals abnormally fat and leads to a deficiency of the heart-healthy fats still found in wild animals. For meat to be healthy, it needs the right balance of natural omega-6 and omega-3 fats. Studies show that omega-3s prevent irregular heartbeat, reduce arterial plaque, decrease blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and minimize inflammation. But too much omega-6 fat interferes with the functioning of omega-3s and leads to inflammation and heart disease. That's the problem with commercial beef. You get about a 20 times greater ratio of omega-6s than you need and a deficiency of omega-3s. And that's bad news. But there is a solution.
To get back to the healthy diet of our ancestors, eat grass-fed beef. It has the original high ratio of omega-3s in our natural diet. Next to wild salmon, grass-fed beef is your best natural source of omega-3s. Fat Is Not the Enemy By Al Sears, MD People often refer to the "French Paradox." This is the notion that French people eat foods high in saturated fat, but never get fat. To me, that's not a paradox. There's no convincing evidence that saturated fats pack on the pounds. It's more useful to think about the "American Paradox" - a nation full of unhealthy people obsessed with healthy eating. At the root of this disorder is the guilt Americans feel when they eat foods they really love - like steak, eggs, and bacon. All the favorites that we've been conditioned to fear with the dreaded word "cholesterol." Most sources tell you to avoid fat in favor of low-fat, vegetarian, or whole-grain artificial diets. But if you take a closer look (and avoid the commercial interests), you'll discover that the secret to reducing bad cholesterol isn't avoiding fat.
Studies show that if you combine the right nutritional elements you can reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) as much as, and in many cases more than, the low-fat junk diets or even prescription statin drugs. Avoidance of fat in favor of grains will increase your risk of heart disease, because diets that are high in grains promote high insulin levels. And high insulin levels have been shown to have a direct correlation to heart disease. So here's the key: Choose the right fats (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) and healthy proteins (rich in essential amino acids). Choosing the right fats means eating more fish and the right kind of red meat. Fish is high in omega-3s. It also has a complete mixture of all the essential amino acids in a bio-available, rapidly absorbable protein. And, yes, you can still eat red meat, even steak. But choose cuts of meat from naturally raised, hormone-free, grass-fed animals. That's the important caveat.
Studies show that grass-fed beef gives you one of the best sources of omega-3s. What's more, grass-fed beef has high levels of B vitamins and CoQ10, the most powerful heart nutrient on the planet. Forget the Food Pyramid - Here's My Simple Formula for Getting Lean By Al Sears, MD In 2005, the government issued its latest food pyramid. You've probably seen it.
Over 2,000 supermarkets in 17 states are planning to promote it in their stores. The "new" food pyramid - like the old one - suggests that you eat more grains and carbs than anything else. And, not surprisingly, the big food makers are footing the bill for this "public service" campaign. (When you've spent that much money lobbying politicians to support your high-carb, highly processed, artificial-food-substitute products, why not cash in?) But don't be fooled.
Following this unnatural high-carb diet, while ignoring protein and healthy fats, will only make you fat, sick, and tired. Instead, follow my simple formula for getting lean: High Protein + Low Carbs + the Right Fats + Regular Exercise = Fat Loss
Increase Protein: Quality protein is the key to good nutrition. Protein promotes muscle growth and increases the burning of carbs and fat for energy. Grass-fed beef, fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts are all good sources of protein. Decrease Carbohydrates: Starches are a main cause of obesity. Limit your consumption of anything made from grains or potatoes. Get your carbs from unprocessed vegetables that grow above the ground.
Eat Natural Fats: Most modern fat is a health nightmare, but getting enough omega-3 fats is essential for good health. Grass-fed beef is a great choice. Also, try eating unprocessed vegetable fats from avocados, nuts, and virgin olive oil. Avoid corn oil and all hydrogenated oils. Get your animal fat from grass-fed red meat, wild fish, and eggs.
~ My grass-fed meats testimonial ~ Grass-fed meats are the only meats you'll find in my house. I cannot tell you how much different and better they taste... and my body even feels different, much more nourished.
I even get my butter from these guys. When I did my little side-by-side taste test - I had been buying "organic" butter from the supermarket for years - and I swear, the organic butter tasted like poison in comparison. I had to spit it out in the sink it tasted so nasty. I couldn't believe I had been spending so much money on such an inferior product. I spend more on my butter now, but at least it's good for me and tastes the way real butter should taste.
I will never spend one more penny of my money on inferior animal products sold in the stores. Not when we have places like US Wellness Meats, BRAVO!
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