The health of livestock and humans is closely related to what the livestock eat. When these animals are allowed to feed on the grass in open ranges they are generally healthier, on fewer antibiotics, and the meat that comes from them is healthier for human consumption.
An important aspect of the foods we eat is the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. While there is no specific ratio that has been accepted, generally most believe a healthy diet should have about three to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. This ratio has a direct effect on the development of inflammation in the body and may be a factor in the development of several inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The type of diet that livestock consume influences the fatty acid profile of their tissues and it has been suggested that grass-fed meat and dairy products produce an improved ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids when compared with diets high in cereal grains.
In the past few decades, our diet has changed considerably with the development of many more processed and packaged foods. This processing is often associated with a higher level of omega-6 rich linoleic acid and the removal of healthy nutrients such as fiber and minerals. This can lead to much higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in what we eat. It is estimated that the current standard American diet may have 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids! This change in our diet and the ratio shift may account for some of the increase in the incidence of inflammatory disease states.
What can we do?
Avoid foods made with the following oils that are high in Omega-6 fatty acids:
- Linoleic oil
- Sunflower oil
- Corn oil
- Soybean oil
- Cottonseed oil
Try to prepare and consume foods made with the following instead:
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
In addition:
- Try to limit your intake of processed foods that contain the oils above
- Avoid processed meats
- Try to buy grass-fed meat products when they are available as options
- Consider eating substitutes for red meat such as seafood and fish at least once or twice a week. Salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3