The University of Maryland Medical Center has reported that omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health, but the body can' t make them. You therefore have to get omega-3 fatty acids through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as tuna, salmon and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of heart disease. In a news release on Feb. 4, 2013, Kansas State University has reported, A discovery that sizzles: University-developed omega-3-rich ground beef available soon.
A part of a healthy diet may include a hamburger which is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to Kansas State University researchers. Jim Drouillard, who is a professor of animal sciences and industry, has developed a technique that enriches ground beef with omega-3 fatty acids. This enriched ground beef is named GreatO Premium Ground Beef and is being sold through NBO3 Technologies LLC. This enriched beef will be available in mid-February at select retailers in Buffalo, N.Y., and thereafter expand to leading retailers and restaurants nationwide.
Drouillard has said a quarter-pound hamburger which is made of the enriched ground beef has 200 milligrams of omega-3s and tastes the same as regular ground beef. Therefore, this makes the ground beef an alternative for people who want to add or increase their omega-3 fatty acids intake but do not want fish or supplements to do so. Drouillard has said, "As a society, Americans' consumption of fish, especially fish that contributes to these omega-3 fats, is quite low compared to other proteins. Reasons for this include cost, access to fish and personal preference. Americans do, however, like hamburgers. So if we can give people a hamburger that is rich in omega-3s, it's an alternative form of a product that they already eat and does not require a lifestyle change, which is difficult to make."
