Is Angus Beef Healthier Than Regular Beef? An In-Depth Comparison

Angus beef has become synonymous with high-quality, delicious beef. You’ve likely seen it on menus at fancy steakhouse restaurants or sold at a premium price at the grocery store. But is Angus beef actually better and healthier for you than regular beef?

As a beef lover and health-conscious foodie, I decided to dig into the details to find out if Angus beef lives up to the hype. Here’s a comprehensive look at how Angus beef compares to regular beef when it comes to health and nutrition.

What is Angus Beef?

First let’s start with what exactly Angus beef is.

Angus beef comes from cattle bred specifically from the Aberdeen Angus breed. Originating in Scotland, these cattle are naturally polled (meaning they have no horns) and have a distinctive all-black coat.

There are now two types of Angus cattle – Black Angus and Red Angus. Black Angus cattle are the most common, making up a majority of beef cattle in the United States.

Angus cattle are prized for their rich marbling. Marbling refers to the white flecks of fat interspersed within the red meat. A higher degree of marbling results in more tender, juicy and flavorful beef.

The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand was created in 1978 to set standards for Angus beef. To be certified as CAB, the beef must meet 10 criteria related to marbling, tenderness and flavor.

So in a nutshell, Angus beef comes from a specific cattle breed and aims to provide a more tender, juicy eating experience due to the extra marbling. But does that make it any healthier?

Marbling – The Good and The Bad

Marbling is really what sets Angus beef apart from regular beef. More marbling equals more flavor and tenderness – two very desirable qualities. But higher marbling also means higher fat content.

So Angus beef likely has a slight edge when it comes to taste and texture, thanks to the marbling. But the extra fat also makes it slightly less healthy.

According to USDA data, here is the fat content of ANGUS beef versus regular Choice beef per 100 grams:

• Angus beef: 14 grams of fat
• Regular Choice beef: 10 grams of fat

So Angus contains about 30% more fat than regular Choice beef cuts That said, the total fat difference is only about 4 grams per serving.

Both Angus and regular beef are considered high-quality options. Even the leanest cuts of beef contain more fat than chicken, fish or plant proteins. So both can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet – just in moderation.

Nutritional Profile

Aside from fat content, Angus and regular beef are quite similar nutritionally.

Both provide high-quality, complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Three ounces of beef contains about 25 grams of protein.

They are also excellent sources of highly absorbable heme iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, B-vitamins and more.

Angus beef does contain slightly higher amounts of some vitamins and minerals compared to regular beef. But the differences are quite small.

Here is a nutritional comparison of ANGUS beef versus regular Choice beef per 100 grams:

• Protein: 26g vs 25g
• Iron: 2.7mg vs 2.5mg
• Zinc: 4.1mg vs 3.9mg
• Selenium: 21mcg vs 19mcg
• Niacin: 5.2mg vs 4.8mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.47mg vs 0.45mg
• Vitamin B12: 2.2mcg vs 2.1mcg

So Angus beef comes out just slightly ahead when comparing nutritional profiles. But essentially, both provide very similar health benefits.

Choosing grass-fed beef over conventional beef has a much bigger impact on nutritional value than choosing Angus. Grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3s and CLA, antioxidants and vitamins.

Fatty Acid Profile

Some sources claim that Angus beef contains a better balance of fatty acids compared to regular beef.

However, I could not find any legitimate studies actually proving this to be true. Both contain a similar fatty acid breakdown of approximately:

• Saturated fats: 40-50%
• Monounsaturated fats: 40-50%
• Polyunsaturated fats: 3-5%

There are minor differences in the exact percentages due to factors like diet, environment and genetics. But no convincing evidence shows Angus being superior.

Just like regular beef, Angus is relatively high in saturated fat. So if your goal is to improve your fatty acid intake, grass-fed and finished beef is a better option. It contains a lower ratio of saturated fats and higher amounts of heart-healthy omega-3s.

Hormones and Antibiotics

Some people assume Angus beef is always hormone and antibiotic-free. However, this is not necessarily the case.

Use of artificial growth hormones is banned for all beef cattle in the United States and Canada. So both Angus and regular beef sold domestically are hormone-free.

As for antibiotics, CAB does not restrict their use. Angus cattle can be raised conventionally using antibiotics. However, some ranches choose to raise Angus cattle without antibiotics to gain a marketing edge.

When shopping for Angus beef or any beef, opt for a grass-fed, sustainably-raised option to ensure it’s free of antibiotics and other drugs. The Angus label alone does not guarantee these production practices.

The Verdict: A Slight Edge to Angus

After conducting extensive research, I can conclude that Angus beef does have a slight nutritional and health advantage over regular beef.

The pros of choosing Angus beef include:

• More tender, juicy and flavorful texture due to marbling
• Slightly higher amounts of vitamins and minerals
• Reputable brand with flavor and tenderness standards

However, the differences are quite minor in the grand scheme of things. And the extra marbling also means slightly higher fat content.

Both Angus and regular beef offer similar nutritional benefits – high-quality protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins. As long as you choose a lean cut and keep portions in check, both can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

For maximum health benefits, choose grass-fed beef over grain-fed, whether Angus or regular. Grass-fed has a better fatty acid profile, is lower in saturated fat and contains more antioxidants.

At the end of the day, Angus beef provides only a slight nutritional edge. So whether it’s worth the extra cost comes down to personal preference and budget. While some find the superior taste worth the splurge, regular beef is more budget-friendly while still providing fantastic nutrition.

Either way, be sure to savor high-quality beef in moderation as the centerpiece of an overall healthy lifestyle. Your health and taste buds will thank you!