The CLA-Omega 3- Beta Carotene Story

By: Roger Mills

Dr. Dhiman of Utah State University, speaking at the grass-fed meat and milk converence in December 2000 said that he was "now convinced that grass-fed food products are not only preventative (prevent health problems) but regenerative (help people recover from health problems.

Three substances are especially responsible for this: CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), Omega 3 fatty acids, and Beta Carotene. These products are found in far greater amoutns in the milk and meat of ruminant animals that are 100% grass-fed than in conventionally fed animals (as much as five times the CLA, ten times the Omega 3, and three times the Beta Carotene.)

CLA is synthesized in the rumen by bacteria. It was first discovered in 1967 and was found to be one of the most promising substances in our food from the standpoint of health. It stimulates our immune system, inhibits heart disease, normalizes or reduces blood glucose levels, and helps prevent diabetes.

Omega 3 fatty acids are made in the cholorplast of green leaves. It is frequently referred to as a fish oil, yet grass-fed beef can have as high a level of Omega 3's as wild salmon and ten times the level of grain-finished beef. It should be found in your body at a ratio of 1/1 with Omega 6 to prevent coronary heart disease. It has been found to increase body metabolism and decrease body fat.

Beta Carotene is the most abundant and most efficient pro-vitamin A in our foods. It enhances certain immune responses, acts as a cancer preventative agent against lung and stomach cancer, and causes a decrease in cardiovascular disease. It is thought to protect the skin from sun damage and maintain collagen integrity helping to prevent abnoraml skin reactions to sunlight.