The benefits of grass fed meat
I have to confess to being disgustingly ignorant to this subject when I first set out on my Paleo journey. I thought all meat was born equal, but was perhaps a bit more fancy if it came from Marks and Spencers. I was so so very wrong. My red meat intake was virtually non existent before I transitioned to a Paleo diet but it only took a few months to notice a vast improvement in my health once I started regularly consuming high quality meat. Aside from the fact that grass fed meat has a considerably better taste and texture, it also wipes the floor with conventional meat when it comes to nutritional value.
Grass fed animals are free to roam and graze, consuming from the land and eating a natural diet of grass and the occasional tasty insect. In being allowed to eat and live this way they are receiving a nutritionally balanced diet and are well cared for, which is apparent in the superior quality of the meat. Conventionally raised animals are fed an unnatural diet of grains devoid of vital nutrients. This is not only reflected in the health of the animal but also the poor the nutritional composition of the meat they produce. Conventionally raised meat is also treated with antibiotics and injected with hormones. I don't know about you but i'd rather pass on a dinner raging with hormones. In comparison to conventionally raised grain fed meat, grass fed meat offers these nutritional benefits in significant quantities: Considerably higher levels of Omega 3 Free from hormones Considerably higher levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA is a powerful antioxidant shown to exhibit cancer fighting properties. Greater levels of vitamins and essential minerals. Grass fed meat contains much higher levels of vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium. Organic or grass fed? It is also worth noting that buying organic meat is not the same as grass fed. This was something else that I was blissfully ignorant to when I started out on my Paleo diet. If meat is labelled organic, that does not mean that it is free to roam and forage, it may simply mean it is fed a diet of organic grains. We are then left with 'organic' meat devoid of nutrients. Where do I buy my grass fed meat? Firstly do not be put off looking into grass fed meat by the cost. Yes, it can be more expensive but like a good pair of shoes, you get what you pay for. Better taste, better quality, higher animal welfare and richer nutritional content. I buy all my meat from athleat, a company that truly understands the importance of high quality meat and the contribution diet makes to health. They are incredibly knowledgable and their customer service is excellent. The company is based in Glasgow and deliver throughout the UK and even to Europe. The price for the quality is fantastic, and if you order on repeat you will get a discounted rate. If you become a regular customer you will find that you may not be paying much more than you would for supermarket meat, in fact in some cases it may even be less. I assure you its worth every penny - you can't put a price on your health after all. The lovely people at Athleat have kindly allowed me to share a discount with you also, so as a new customer you will receive £10 off your first order over £50 (see link below). I highly recommend checking them out - you really will notice a huge difference in flavour and quality.
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The gut healing benefits of gelatin
If you are embarking on a Paleo diet and looking to improve your digestive health, you will no doubt have found gelatin and bone broth to be a recurring theme.
Lets get the ugly bit out the way first. Gelatin is a fine powder formed from the dehydrated skin, bone and tissue of animals. Now let's move on swiftly........as unappealing as this may sound, gelatin's health benefits are not to be sniffed at. It's powerful soothing and healing properties can help form a strong foundation from which to re-build your digestive health and support the healing of autoimmune conditions. You can use the powdered variety of gelatin throughout your cooking to thicken sauces, set desserts and make gummies (recipe below). Alternatively you can get your gelatin quota from bone broth. The gelatin is extracted during the long, slow cooking process that breaks down the bones and cartilage. What are the benefits? Digestion - The amino acid content assists in repairing a leaky gut by soothing inflammation and restoring a healthy mucosal lining. It enhances the production of gastric acid secretions which support the healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients. Gelatin also draws water into the digestive tract promoting better intestinal transit. Joint health - Gelatin can reduce symptoms caused by arthritis and osteoporosis. It's anti-inflammatory properties reduce bone and joint pain and support the growth of strong bones. Skin - Gelatin provides amino acids vital to the production of collagen. Collagen is integral in giving your skin a youthful, healthy glow and for preventing the much loathed cellulite. It can even help reduce wrinkles and protect the skin from UV damage. Sleep - Gelatin is a rich source of glycine, known to contribute to improved sleep quality and anxiety management. Consuming gelatin to improve sleep is a gentle alternative to over the counter medications that come with additional side effects. What type do I buy? Making your own bone broth is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get gelatin in your diet. You can have it in place of tea as a warm drink and to form the base of soups and stews. If you are histamine intolerant however I urge caution with bone broth. Firstly the slow cooking process will elevate the histamine content as will the acidity of the vinegar used to break down the bones. If you are squeamish about boiling bones or simply crave a gelatin quick fix, then buying a powdered form to add to gummies and desserts is the perfect gut healing solution. I highly reconmend Great lakes gelatin (see the link below). Great Lakes Gelatin is grass fed and from humanely raised animals and contains no additional nasties - this is not like the gelatin you pick up from the supermarket baking aisles. The red cans are great to add to liquids you wish to set. The green can is perfect to add to hot or cold liquids - stir a tablespoon into your tea or smoothies for an added tummy soothing boost.
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Emma CarterThis blog tells an ongoing story about me and my journey back to health and happiness. A boho soul always looking for my next European adventure. I am a Coeliac, Yogi, paleo advocate, dreamer, Bon jovi connoisseur, sun worshipper, snuggly jumper wearer and wife to my lovely Paulie. Archives
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