Exploring Nutritional Research - Regenerative vs. Conventional
posted on
August 23, 2026
Dr. Stephan-van Vliet, PhD - Have you ever heard of Dr. Stephan? He is a nutrition scientist with metabolomics expertise. His teaching interests lie in physiology, nutrition, and metabolism. He leads the Van Vliet Lab at Utah State University. Currently they are working on several large-scale projects to profile beef, bison, milk, blueberries, and other crops that were grown or produced using various production methods.
Their studies include whether more climate-friendly production practices, known as regenerative agriculture, also impact the nutritional quality of these foods and animal health. So far, studies show that regenerative agriculture can improve vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these foods.
So, let's get into this!
During Dr. Williams' presentation at the MS Ag Museum on August 10th, he shared some of Dr. Stephan's research results. He started with the definition of Phytochemicals (Phytonutrients). Phytochemicals are naturally occuring bioactive compounds derived from plants that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in both animals and humans. Studies have found that phytochemicals play a key role in the prevention and management of many chronic diseases. So, pretty important I would say!
How does that translate to nutrient health? Check out these key differences:
And, guess what the Two KEY PRINCIPLES to Phytonutrient Richness are:
1) Soil Microbial Biomass & Profile
2) Plant Species Diversity
The foundation of Regenerative Agriculture to heal the soil, plants, animals and human health.
My first thought was all the folks buying conventional CAFO beef and not getting the nutrition they expected. Very Sad! And without nutrition their body needs are not satisfied and signals for them to continue eating -- hoping to get the nutrition needed.
By the way, similar results apply to chicken, pork, eggs, etc. raised on Regenerative Pastures!
So, are your spending your hard earned money to buy food OR nutrition? When you buy nutrition then you are feeding your body what it needs. And that makes Regenerative Pasture Raised protein the best value for your money.
Here is an hour-long conversation between Ty Beal and Dr. Stephan - follow this link.
To learn more about Dr. Stephan's work check out The Van Vliet Lab.
Picture of the Week -
Half-Beef Custom Processed Orders - SEPTEMBER harvest order window will close August 24th.
Follow this link to check out our Custom Processing Ordering Tips, to place an order and complete your individualized cut sheet. Please reply to this email with any questions.
And, when you buy a half or whole beef receive a Jarrard Meat Maximizer tenderizer at no extra charge. Jarrard is the choice of professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts for more than 40 years! The Meat Maximizer improves meat tenderness and texture, reduces marinating & cooking time, and is easy to clean and maintain.
Nature's Gourmet Farm product value proposition is to create a community that evolves around one of the most intrinsically important and critical needs of the ages, and that’s the provision of sustenance. That's our passion - to raise healthy animals to provide nutrient dense protein and saturated fat that nourish families and strengthens immune systems.
Our Beef is always grass finished with NO grains. Additionally, our animals are free of mRNA, GMO's (chemicals), Antibiotics, and Hormones. We ethically raise them on diverse forage pastures that regenerates our soils; grows the MOST nutritious beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs; and protects our ecosystem.
Let me encourage you to "Be The Change" our food system needs by "Voting With Your Fork" at every meal.
