Back before foods were pumped with preservatives and people had to hunt and gather for sustenance the old diets contained about 30 percent protein, a healthy proportioned with enough protein to sustain bodily functions and energy levels. However, the current American diet is hovering around 11 percent protein since we are relying far too much on easily accessible carbohydrates for the rest of our calories. But, if we were to take notes from a time of more balanced diets eating more beef for example, which is the best for humans, we would be able to start adjusting our intake to better benefit bodily function. In fact, steak prepared medium to rare is preferred to well done as our body will treat overcooked and over processed foods as an intruder and send white blood cells to take care of it before we can absorb some of the remaining benefit in the food. By eating meat prepared medium to rare our body will be able to fully absorb all of the protein and nutrients in the meat without sending in the clean up crew.. Even rare fatty steak has been found as the quickest way to get people back from nutritional deprivation.
A systemic cause of inflammation is present in the modern life due to a poor ratio of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats are anti-inflammatory that reduces bodily stress and builds our brains with good fat. These omegas 3s are precursors to our endocannabinoid system for tissue regeneration and are found in seafood as well as pastured animals. However, our american culture has been saturated with omega 6 fatty acids from chemical extracted seed oils like vegetable oil and canola oil. This surplus of omega 6’s in our diet are not good building blocks for our nerve system or brain as they tend to be pro-inflammatory and empty of vitamins. Americans are currently hovering at a 25:1 ratio of omega 6s to omega 3s but we would do better to have a 3:1 ratio of 6 to 3, a more balanced ratio that served our ancestors well. Even mother nature meant this ratio to persist in animals, grass fed cows have an ideal omega 6 to 3 ratio and if we eat those cows then our omega ratio does better as well.
Another benefit of animals eating their natural diet (a diet that has not been modified with hormones or supplemented with detrimental corn mixtures) is the concentration of natural vitamins they are able to break down from plants that we are not able to digest. Vitamin E is a nutrient that is stored in plant cellulose that is key in muscle recovery and protecting our endocrine system. However, our stomachs are not outfitted for breaking down cellulose to obtain the necessary amount of vitamin E stored inside, however, cows, sheep, and goats can since their multiple stomachs are designed for this. Because these animals can digest and absorb this vitamin E we can inversely receive these vitamins by eating these animals directly, or consuming their dairy products. However, animals are not the only source of vitamin E in our diets, whole grains also have vitamin E in their protective germ layer. Now it is important to note that after milling the grain, the vitamin E concentrations will be reduced by 10% daily as the oxygen exposure reduces its potency. So remember, when using flours grind your own if you can, fresh it best.
To boil it all down, if you take anything away from this article remember: POE- Proteins, Omegas, E. The best protein content for humans comes from beef so be sure to choose quality grass fed beef cooked medium to rare, to add more protein to our severely lacking American diet. Beef also has a good ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6’s, we have far too much overprocessed and inadequate Omega 6 in our diet, eat beef to rebalance the ratio or make sure to consume omega 3 rich fish, nuts, or seeds. And finally our endocrine protector, vitamin E. This fat soluble vitamin can be found in dairy products, or plant/grass eating animals, but also in ground grains, but no matter what you choose, remember, fresh is best. Taking the information you learned today, with just some simple dietary adjustments you can be on the path to feeling better, more energized, and your body will thank you.
