The Anti-Aging Health Benefit You Need from Grass Fed Products

First things first, grass fed and organic are different things. 

There are many feedlot brands claiming to be, or even certified as, organic but that DOES NOT IMPLY that they are grass fed or that their livestock even have chances to feed on grass, naturally, in a pasture. Simply put, grass fed and pastured are terms that big livestock companies are permitted to use loosely and in a deceitful manner, on their packaging. We feel it’s our duty to reiterate this any time we discuss the health benefits of meat, and our type of meat in particular, as our advice is always given with a few notions in mind:

It is not likely you’ll experience the health benefits we speak of if you’re consuming feedlot products. In fact, it’s likely you’ll be doing more harm than good.

Everything in your diet should be consumed in moderation. Just because meat has health benefits, doesn’t mean you should eat an obsessive amount of it.

So, now that we’ve made that clear, let’s talk about one of the best kept secrets of consuming a grass fed diet: collagen!

Have you ever heard the term collagen?

If we dissect the word from it’s Greek origin, it actually translates to “glue”. This makes a lot of sense since, from a medical and physical standpoint, collagen is largely responsible for holding our body together, while, at the same time, allowing our tissues to withstand stretching.

Back in the day, our ancestors practiced a more “nose to tail” diet than the average consumer does today. In fact, many people are “grossed out” by this consumption methodology today but, if you’re talking about healthy, responsibly and naturally raised, grass fed meat, a lot of the good health benefits lie in the less common, gelatinous parts (think joints - yes, even chicken feet). This is one reason bone broth is regarded as such a positive addition to your diet, it’s a practical way to access those nutrients and pull them into a delicious and nutritious beverage.

So, technically speaking, what’s so great about collagen?

Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein that helps provide structure to many valued body parts like our skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen production slows. This is why medical professionals will often suggest taking a collagen supplement, like a vitamin. However, that shouldn’t be the only measure you take and you don’t have to wait until you're 40 or older to pay attention to your collagen care. What’s best? Start with a well balanced whole foods diet. That means, if you’re consuming meat, go for true grass fed, pasture-raised, preferably from a local farmer. Especially since the best way to tell that the meat is truly raised with care is to ask the farmer directly, which you can always do here at Dutch Meadows.

Collagen has numerous health benefits so if you start adjusting your diet and stick to regular consumption of beneficial ingredients, you’ll likely notice wrinkle prevention, healthy hair and nails, cellulite reduction, bone density, and healthy joints, with a side of multiple anti-aging benefits and joint health. That last one is a biggie!

What other measures are you taking to keep your body healthy as you age? Feel free to share your story in the comments.

As always, we wish you many blessings and good health!