One of the emerging trends in nutritional research is the identification of Plasmalogens and how they relate to our cellular and metabolic health. Six months ago, we had never heard the term and had no idea what they were, let alone where to find them.
Toward the end of 2025, we began a more in-depth nutritional analysis of our Omega Balance Natural Beef vs both grain-fed and grass-fed beef. We were working with a Mass-Spectrometry laboratory, compiling data about all the compounds they could identify in the different meats, with the intent of creating a master nutritional profile. As the laboratory began to compile and compare the data, they noticed some significant trends (aside from our higher nutritional content). They asked if we had ever heard about plasmalogens…and thus our journey began.
The trends the lab identified were closely tied to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity within the meats. Omega Balance Natural Beef was significantly higher (at least double) in anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity as compared to both grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Grain-fed beef showed significant oxidative and inflammatory markers, while grass-fed beef was at best, neutral. At the center of this difference were the Plasmalogens, driven by Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
What are Plasmalogens?
Plasmalogens are a specific glycerophospholipid construction with an attached essential fatty acid. Most of them carry an Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acid. Phospholipids are phosphate-based fats, and they make up a significant portion of your bodily construction. All cellular membranes are composed of phospholipids, and Plasmalogens, at varying concentrations, make up a portion of those membranes.
- In the human heart, 30-40% of total glycerophospholipids are plasmalogens.
- In the brain, 20% of total glycerophospholipids are plasmalogens.
- In the myelin sheath (the nerve covering), up to 70% of the glycerophospholipids are plasmalogens.
Plasmalogens are present in all our cells, but they are more concentrated in those critical systems.
So, what do they do?
The primary role of plasmalogens is to stop inflammation. They are the cell’s first line of defense and are extremely sensitive to inflammatory conditions. They are a “sacrificial” component that “harvests” and destroys reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other oxidative triggers in order to protect the cell and its functions.
The anti-oxidative “sacrifice” of the plasmalogen releases the attached fatty acid, which then acts as a secondary signaling molecule for further cellular reactions. The remnants of the plasmalogens are then either flushed away or recycled by the cells and used to create new plasmalogens to take the place of the “sacrificed” ones.
If the original plasmalogen carried an Omega-6 fatty acid, the released Omega-6 molecule signals additional inflammation, triggering other compensatory responses within the cell. If the plasmalogen carried an Omega-3 fatty acid, the released Omega-3 molecule signals a reduction in inflammation, returning the cell to normal status and function.
Excess inflammation appears when we address (yet again) the balance of Omega-6:Omega-3 fatty acids. If the food you eat has a high balance of Omega-6 fatty acids, then most of your plasmalogens will carry Omega-6s. When the plasmalogens fulfill their anti-oxidative role, they release their Omega-6s, signaling inflammation. Without sufficient Omega-3s to counteract them, the cells descend into a downward inflammatory spiral, damaging the cellular functions, reducing energy production, and even damaging the essential DNA processes.
The result of this inflammatory cascade is heart disease, brain and nerve disease, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and degenerative nerve conditions such as MS, ALS, and others.
With a high Omega-6 balance, lacking sufficient Omega-3s, it is the body’s equivalent of trying to battle a forest fire with a garden hose. You know how that ends up.
On the other hand, if the food you eat has a balanced ratio of Omega-6:Omega-3 fatty acids, your plasmalogens will reflect that same balance (think grass-fed). Thus, when they release their fatty acids during anti-oxidation, the inflammation and anti-inflammation will balance, maintaining a neutral inflammatory load.
Our Omega Balance Natural Beef shows significantly elevated levels of Omega-3 plasmalogens and significantly reduced levels of Omega-6 plasmalogens when compared to both grain-fed and grass-fed beef. The elevated Omega-3 plasmalogens introduce a strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory balance to the beef (no wonder our animals are so healthy). Those same positive balances will carry forward to the person who eats Omega Balance Natural Beef.
With the high concentration of Omega-3 plasmalogens, neither oxidation nor inflammation has a chance to get started. The fire is put out before it even begins! This positive anti-oxidative balance goes a long way in explaining some of the soothing effects we see when applying our Restore OEM skin balm.
The high anti-oxidative properties of Omega Balance Natural Beef make it an important component of a healthy, balanced, anti-inflammatory diet.
With Omega Balance Natural Beef and Restore OEM High-Plasmalogen Skin Balm, you can “cool your jets” both inside and outside!
If you haven't tried them yet, you should order some today! Your body will thank you!