Hearts and Lungs

A new study shows that a modest lowering of LDL cholesterol for extended periods has heart benefits.

A new genetic analysis of more than 12,000 individuals has found that a decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, of as little as 15 percent, sustained over the long term can dramatically reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The reduction in LDL observed in this study can easily be achieved with a low dose of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

Drugs aren't the only way to lower LDL of course. One of the best known benefits of grass fed beef is that the omega-3 fatty acids and CLA lower LDL cholesterol. In addition, there is a balance of LDL and HDL in grass fed meats that reduce the harm the LDL can do.

Another study shows that beta carotene reduces the effects of aging on lungs.

Beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, slows the decline in lung power associated with ageing, reveals research in Thorax.

Beta carotene belongs to a group of antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which give fruits and vegetables their red, yellow, and orange colourings.

It's also what gives the fat in grass fed beef a yellow hue rather than the dead white of grain fed meats. Grass fed beef has twice the beta-carotene of grain fed meats even though it has less fat. There are other advantages to beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). It is better for health to get pro-vitamin A from the diet than to take vitamin A as a supplement. There can be bone desnity reductions, especially in women, from taking vitamin A, especially in larger doses.