Beef from cattle finished on biodiverse pasture contains 4.5 to 6 times higher levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 1.65:1, compared to beef from cattle fed grain-based diets with or without grapeseed extract, which have an n-6:n-3 ratio near 10:1, indicating a nutritional profile more aligned with cardiovascular and metabolic health recommendations.

Cows that eat diverse grasses and plants consume fats rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats pass through the digestive system without being fully broken down, enter the bloodstream, and get stored in muscle tissue. The body then converts some of these fats into longer-chain omega-3s, which build up in the meat. At the same time, the increased fat metabolism raises the production of certain energy-related molecules in muscle cells, further distinguishing the meat's chemical profile.