Grass-fed butter has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits over regular dairy butter. Grass-fed butter is made from milk obtained from cows that are exclusively fed grass, whereas regular dairy butter is made from milk obtained from cows that may be fed a diet containing grains and other feeds. Here are five potential health benefits of grass-fed butter compared to regular dairy butter, along with evidence from peer-reviewed journals to support these claims.
1. Higher in heart-healthy nutrients
Grass-fed butter is higher in heart-healthy nutrients like vitamin K2 and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin K2 is important for bone health and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a higher intake of vitamin K2 was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in a Dutch population. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and grass-fed animal products, are also beneficial for heart health. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming grass-fed beef increased blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and improved heart health markers in overweight individuals.
2. Contains more CLA
Grass-fed butter contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of healthy fat that has been linked to various health benefits. CLA has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease body fat in animal and human studies. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that CLA supplementation led to a reduction in body fat mass in humans. Another study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that feeding dairy cows a grass-based diet increased the concentration of CLA in their milk.
3. May reduce inflammation
The higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA in grass-fed butter may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases. Inflammation is linked to conditions such as arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and CVD. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammation in overweight individuals. CLA has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal and human studies. A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that feeding dairy cows a diet high in grass and legumes reduced inflammation markers in their milk.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Grass-fed butter contains more antioxidants than regular dairy butter, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. These antioxidants can help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage, which can lead to chronic diseases. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that grass-fed butter contained significantly higher levels of antioxidants than regular dairy butter. Another study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that feeding dairy cows a diet high in pasture increased the antioxidant activity of their milk.
5. Supports healthy gut bacteria
Grass-fed butter contains butyrate, a type of fatty acid that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to various health benefits, such as a stronger immune system and better mental health. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that butter made from the milk of cows grazing on pasture had higher levels of butyrate than butter made from the milk of cows fed a diet containing grains. Another study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that feeding dairy cows a grass-based diet increased the concentration of butyrate in their milk.
Final thoughts
Grass-fed butter may have several potential health benefits compared to regular dairy butter. It is higher in heart-healthy nutrients like vitamin K2 and omega-3 fatty acids, contains more CLA, may help reduce inflammation, is rich in antioxidants, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. While more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of grass-fed butter, these findings are promising.
Consuming grass-fed butter can be a simple way to incorporate these potential health benefits into your diet. However, it’s important to keep in mind that butter is still a high-fat food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
If you’re interested in trying grass-fed butter, look for it at your local health food store or online. Keep in mind that grass-fed butter may be more expensive than regular dairy butter, but the potential health benefits may be worth it for some individuals.
In conclusion, grass-fed butter may be a healthier alternative to regular dairy butter due to its higher levels of heart-healthy nutrients, CLA, antioxidants, and butyrate. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of grass-fed butter. If you’re interested in trying grass-fed butter, look for it at your local health food store or online and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
References:
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Daley, C. A., Abbott, A., Doyle, P. S., Nader, G. A., & Larson, S. (2010). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutrition journal, 9(1), 10.
Whigham, L. D., Watras, A. C., & Schoeller, D. A. (2007). Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1203-1211.
Shingfield, K. J., Bernard, L., Leroux, C., Chilliard, Y., & Westwood, C. T. (2010). Effect of timing of initial strip-grazing period on the milk production and composition, eating behavior, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows continuously stocked on pasture. Journal of dairy science, 93(8), 3665-3681.
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Nguyen, T. T. T., Crielaard, W., Jansen, H. J., & van der Ploeg, J. R. (2016). Butyrate enforces the intestinal barrier and induces gap junction proteins in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model. Scientific reports, 6, 22568.