People are talking about eating healthier and more naturally. Farm to table restaurants and markets are springing up all over, and every city and town has a farmer's market where people can buy fresh, locally-grown food. Grass fed beef and pork are part of that trend, one which most supermarkets have joined by offering certified meats. There are good reasons for buying this kind of meat, both health and humanitarian.
Much research has been done on beef that is produced without the use of grain. Fewer studies have been published on pork or chicken, but it's known that the animals raised on pasture are healthier and happier. Pigs will grow to market size in crowded pens, but it's a horrendous life for the animals to be confined from birth to slaughter. Pasturing pigs is a much more humane way to raise pork for human consumption.
Comparing grass-fed meat and tallow to that of a grain-finished animal is interesting. Research has found that the Omega-3 content of grass-fed is significantly higher than conventional meat, which has a greater concentration of Omega-6 fatty acids. Since most American diets are low, if not deficient, in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health, it make sense to try to get them wherever you can.
Research has shown that grass-fed beef is not necessarily lower in total fat content than the product of feedlots. However, there are differences in the kind of fat in each meat. A fatty acid called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) that helps the human body convert animal fats into energy rather than storing them in fat cells is higher in pastured meat; in fact, feedlot animals lose this fatty acid from their tissues as they consume their grain-based feed.
There are some interesting research findings online, from gas chromatography studies sponsored by the Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to health through whole, untainted foods. This study examines polyunsaturated fats as well as saturated fats in beef, and compares feedlot meat to that from pasture-raised and finished animals.
Many consumers don't want traces of herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers in their food. They also want to avoid genetically modified foods, as well as animals fed on them. They feel that animals raised on natural pasture - green grass and the other plants that are native to the area - are healthier and provide more vitamins and minerals to those who eat them. Grass-fed meat is often proudly produced without the use of antibiotics or hormones.
Pasturing animals is not only more humane, it's 'greener'. Factory farms are a major source of pollution, both to the air by producing vast quantities of 'greenhouse gases' and to waterways in run-off from the feedlots and barns. There are also many cases of rampant disease at factory farms, since close confinement is neither natural or healthy. Cows, pigs, and chickens allowed to roam free and forage for their food are happier and healthier.
This trend to more natural production methods and healthier meats is a good one to support with your grocery dollars. Animals raised for food can still have a happy, healthy life if we support more humane farming practices. Our meat tastes better and is healthier for us, too, so we all win.
Much research has been done on beef that is produced without the use of grain. Fewer studies have been published on pork or chicken, but it's known that the animals raised on pasture are healthier and happier. Pigs will grow to market size in crowded pens, but it's a horrendous life for the animals to be confined from birth to slaughter. Pasturing pigs is a much more humane way to raise pork for human consumption.
Comparing grass-fed meat and tallow to that of a grain-finished animal is interesting. Research has found that the Omega-3 content of grass-fed is significantly higher than conventional meat, which has a greater concentration of Omega-6 fatty acids. Since most American diets are low, if not deficient, in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health, it make sense to try to get them wherever you can.
Research has shown that grass-fed beef is not necessarily lower in total fat content than the product of feedlots. However, there are differences in the kind of fat in each meat. A fatty acid called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) that helps the human body convert animal fats into energy rather than storing them in fat cells is higher in pastured meat; in fact, feedlot animals lose this fatty acid from their tissues as they consume their grain-based feed.
There are some interesting research findings online, from gas chromatography studies sponsored by the Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to health through whole, untainted foods. This study examines polyunsaturated fats as well as saturated fats in beef, and compares feedlot meat to that from pasture-raised and finished animals.
Many consumers don't want traces of herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers in their food. They also want to avoid genetically modified foods, as well as animals fed on them. They feel that animals raised on natural pasture - green grass and the other plants that are native to the area - are healthier and provide more vitamins and minerals to those who eat them. Grass-fed meat is often proudly produced without the use of antibiotics or hormones.
Pasturing animals is not only more humane, it's 'greener'. Factory farms are a major source of pollution, both to the air by producing vast quantities of 'greenhouse gases' and to waterways in run-off from the feedlots and barns. There are also many cases of rampant disease at factory farms, since close confinement is neither natural or healthy. Cows, pigs, and chickens allowed to roam free and forage for their food are happier and healthier.
This trend to more natural production methods and healthier meats is a good one to support with your grocery dollars. Animals raised for food can still have a happy, healthy life if we support more humane farming practices. Our meat tastes better and is healthier for us, too, so we all win.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about grass fed beef and pork, visit our web pages online today. More details are available at http://www.crestwoodfarmsllc.com now.
0 comments :
Dí lo que piensas...