Is "grass-fed" beef a healthier choice?

Ever wondered what the "grass-fed" label on meats in your supermarket really means? Well, thanks to a new rule, the grass-fed claim on beef and lamb now means that the meat came from animals that actually, well, ate grass. The animals also have to have access to pasture during the growing season. Be sure to look for the accompanying "USDA Process Verified" shield, since a loophole allows producers who previously used the grass-fed claim to continue to do so without having to meet the new requirements. The shield also guarantees the farms were inspected by the USDA to meet the new standard.

Why it's good

Grass-fed meats are lower in total fats than conventional meats and have higher levels of good fats like omega-3s. But they may not be as tender. Grass-fed ground beef usually has more conjugated linoleic acid, which might improve the immune system and help fight cancer, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes, lab and animal studies show.

To learn more about labels on the foods you eat, visit the Eco-labels center at www.GreenerChoices.org.