- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
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Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
Risk factors (2)
- CRP level: A risk factor for heart disease?
- Calcium supplements: A risk factor for heart attack?
Causes (2)
- Omega-6 fatty acids: Can they cause heart disease?
- Vitamin D deficiency: Can it cause high blood pressure?
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Polypill: Does it treat heart disease?
- Coronary artery disease: Angioplasty or bypass surgery?
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- Grass-fed beef: What are the heart-health benefits?
- Butter vs. margarine: Which is better for my heart?
- Healthy chocolate — Dream or reality?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (1)
- Herbal supplements: Can they interact with heart medications?
Prevention (5)
- Can vitamins help prevent a heart attack?
- Heart disease prevention: A link to oral health?
- Is sitting really bad for my health?
- see all in Prevention
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Question
Grass-fed beef: What are the heart-health benefits?
Does grass-fed beef have any heart-health benefits that other types of beef don't?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
Grass-fed beef comes from cows that eat only grass and other foraged foods, such as unprocessed grains. Usually, beef and dairy cows eat a diet of processed grain, such as corn. The difference in the diets of the cows is thought to change the nutrients and fats you get from eating the different types of beef.
Grass-fed beef may have some heart-health benefits that other types of beef don't have. When compared with other types of beef, grass-fed beef may have:
- Less total fat
- Higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Higher levels of another type of fat (conjugated linoleic acid) that's thought to reduce heart disease and cancer risks
Lean beef that's 10 percent fat or less — whether it's grass-fed beef or another type of beef — can be part of a heart-healthy diet. But it's still uncertain whether grass-fed beef adds even more heart-health benefits. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you're thinking about adding more lean beef, including grass-fed beef, into your diet.
Next questionButter vs. margarine: Which is better for my heart?
- Leheska JM, et al. Effects of conventional and grass feeding systems on the nutrient composition of beef. Journal of Animal Science. 2008;86:3575.
- Chahbazi J, et al. Common foods and farming methods thought to promote health: What the data show. Primary Care. 2008;35:769.
- United States standards for livestock and meat marketing claims. Federal Register. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5063842. Accessed Nov. 17, 2009.
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