`Push beef for healthy eating'

EATING grass-fed beef could help reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer, according to the National Beef Association.

At Beef 2003 on Wed (May 21) at Thainstone, Aberdeenshire, NBA chief executive Robert Forster called on the government to confirm the health benefits of grass-reared beef.

"Beef from cattle that have been on pasture or wintered on preserved grass contains superior levels of alpha linolenic acid and other omega-3 fatty acids which assist in heart health," he said.

The beef also contains conjugated linoleic acid, with anti-cancer properties, Mr Forster added.

"We are calling on DEFRA to make a statement on the advantages of grass-fed beef to heart health," he said.