Leptin – Another Grass Fed Difference

By Bill Roberts

Increases in the knowledge of Biological Science seem to be accelerating at the speed of light these days. A revelation on a little known and much less publicized benefit of grass fed livestock, dairy and poultry has recently come to my attention amidst the growing flood of information.

Ed Decker, a friend and tireless researcher on nutritional science, recently recounted to me a basic introduction to the miracle of Leptin. Dr. Ron Rosedale, author of the Rosedale Diet, is credited by Ed as the key source in his research on Leptin. While I am far from an expert on the topic, I offer what I have learned as food for thought and research for all proponents of the grass fed movement.

Leptin is a hormone-like substance that is emitted by fat deposits in the human body. Centers in the brain are sensitive to Leptin levels in the blood. If Leptin levels are low, the brain responds by telling the body to deposit fat for energy reserves. If Leptin levels are high, the brain signals the body to cease depositing fat due to times of plenteous nutrition. Such is the simplicity of this function in a perfect world.

The intricacy of natures balance was designed to have a proper balance of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) in the diet. The correct balance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 EFA’s has been documented to be 4 to 1. This balance becomes infinitely important in the function of Leptin.

It has been documented by Dr. Rosedale that Leptin sensitivity is dependent on Omega 3 levels to respond properly. If Omega 3 levels in the diet are deficient, the brain will not be properly sensitized to Leptin and will continue to signal the body to deposit fat, even when fat levels other than Omega 3’s are in great abundance in the diet. This can happen to a body already overwhelmed by fat deposits due to high carbohydrates and/or other dietary fats.

Necessary dietary balances for Leptin sensitivity have suffered tremendously in the “industrialized commodity beef era” using grain versus grass to finish cattle. The high Omega 3 content fats in grass fed beef which our grandparents and great grandparents consumed were a primary generator of proper Leptin function. The primarily Omega 6 fats in grain fed livestock, dairy and poultry have denied recent generations the riches of Omega 3 fats they were intended by the Creator to enjoy. This drama was deepened even further during the high carbohydrate/low fat diet craze of recent history.

The amount of Omega 3’s in the diet necessary for proper Leptin sensitivity appears to vary from person to person. Some function well on a trace of Omega 3, some require much more. That is why all of us on a primarily “westernized diet” are not obese. However, it is frequently the topic of media attention that a growing number of Americans and people from other westernized cultures are. Leptin function has played a vital role in this dilemma.

Just as Leptin function has been implicated in the obesity problem, it is complicit in the solution. A diet properly aligned in its balance of EFA’s can cause people to burn fat and lose pounds without starvation. Quite the contrary, proper nutrition is the key, not the lack of nutrition.

Many of today’s nutritional pioneers have identified grass fed livestock, dairy and poultry as primary dietary sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Countless studies are listed on Dr. Jo Robinson’s website, www.eatwild.com . Dr. Tilak Dhiman has recently presented convincing evidence of the positive impact of balancing EFA’s in the diet in his articles in the Stockman Grass Farmer and other forums.

Understanding Leptin helps explain “why” the results are as they are in these studies. Leptin is a vital piece to the puzzle behind healthy food nurturing healthy people.