Why choose organic beef for a meal? Ansis Zauers, a nutritionist, microbiome researcher, and CEO ofPreimmu, explains.
Ansis Zauers, nutritionist, microbiome researcher
Meat is one of the oldest foods consumed by humans. It may even have been the first food that humans cooked over a fire. Meat is primarily a source of protein; it contains all amino acids, including the eight essential ones. It is also a source of heme iron, which, as is well known, is absorbed more efficiently by the human body, and its absorption is not affected by other substances consumed in the diet. Meat also contains all the B vitamins, which provide energy.
Fat – the key to choosing meat
In beef, fatty acids are the most significant factor distinguishing organically raised cattle from conventionally raised cattle—that is, whether they are grass-fed or grain-fed. Grass-fed cattle will have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Although meat is not the primary source of omega fatty acids, they are essential in the human diet. Currently, people consume too many omega-6 fatty acids.
What an animal eats also affects humans
When discussing the main differences, attention is most often focused on the use of antibiotics. It is important to remember that everything a cow eats will also affect humans. Organically raised beef will not contain various byproducts ingested by conventionally raised beef cattle, such as grains treated with glyphosate. Equally important is how the animal was raised and slaughtered. Meat is also obtained from dairy cows used for milk production. Organic meat is both more nutritious and easier for the human body to digest.
Artūrs and Gunārs Vīganti, owners of NEGANTIgardi
What is the principle behind a balanced meal?
Humans need four nutrients: fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. What should a balanced meal look like on a plate? It is divided into three parts. Half the plate is reserved for vegetables, salads, root vegetables, greens, and mushrooms. It’s important to include all possible colors and as much variety as possible. Their caloric value is relatively low, but these foods contain all the biologically active substances and fiber the body needs. The other half of the plate is divided equally between proteins and carbohydrates.
In Latvia, the most valuable sources of protein from meat are as follows:
1) organically raised beef,
2) game meat,
3) poultry, including turkey,
4) rabbit meat,
5) pork.
Some people tend to criticize red meat, but organically raised beef is more nutritious than fast-grown chicken. Another source of energy is carbohydrates: potatoes, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, and quinoa. Grains should be left for last.
Protein should be consumed from a variety of sources throughout the day: in the morning, for example, milk protein; at lunch, animal-based protein; and in the evening, plant-based protein or fish. Attention should also be paid to how food is prepared. Body weight can be used to calculate optimal protein intake—you should consume at least 1.4–1.6 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
The colored side of the plate is usually the hardest part. If you’re unable to consume the recommended amount of fiber, you can use the dietary supplement “Preimmu Biotic.” In the fall and winter, two packets a day are recommended, but in the summer, when locally grown fruits and vegetables are more readily available, you can take one packet a day or every other day.
“Active” Vitamin D
In northern regions, vitamin D deficiency is a significant problem, but attention should also be paid to magnesium, which helps “activate” this vitamin. The same applies to calcium—vitamin K2 is needed for it to be absorbed into the bones. Coenzyme Q10 is also essential for energy and can be obtained from beef. All of these nutrients can be incorporated into your daily diet with the dietary supplement“Preimmu Mag D3K2Q10.”
A good broth takes a long time to cook
Even though the tradition of making soup is characteristic of Latvians, we tend to drink broth more often when we’re sick. When we’re in a hurry, we don’t have time to make a good broth. “I’d recommend drinking broth first thing in the morning at breakfast,” says A. Zauers. It contains all the necessary minerals—magnesium, electrolytes, the highly valuable amino acid glycine, as well as L-glutamine, which supports the small intestine, especially when digestion is impaired
Health starts on your plate
Our daily diet determines our well-being and health. By paying attention to what’s on our plates—that is, the foods that make up our meals—we’re taking care of our long-term health. The “NEGANTIgardi” brand offers organically raised beef and beef byproducts whose ingredients are beyond doubt. Meanwhile, “Preimmu” products will provide the nutrients and vitamins that we cannot get from food alone. Taking care of yourself starts on your plate.