One of the modern trends that has people talking is the switch to naturally and humanely raised meat. Grass fed beef and pork are now available in supermarkets, as well as at farmer's markets and farm stores. There are documented health benefits to eating meat from animals that have never been fed grain, as well as the satisfaction of supporting a more natural way of life for animals that are raised for food.
Most of the research that you can find online refers to beef, but similar benefits for pork make sense. Also, the conditions that many pigs are raised in are horrendous. The pig, a most intelligent but (unfortunately for them) fast-growing, fast weight-gaining animal, thrives in a free-range environment. On large pig farms, however, the animals may be confined to crowded, uncomfortable, boring conditions all of their lives. For humane reasons alone, it's important to support grass-fed pork producers.
Tests have shown that pastured meats, from animals raised on grass and never fed grain, are much higher in Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients, known to be good for the brain and the heart, are often deficient in American diets. Omega-6 fatty acids, however, are plentiful in liquid vegetable oils, which many people consume as oils or in baked goods. Meat from cattle fattened and 'finished' in feedlots, on a diet of grain and plant products like beet pulp, is high in Omega-6.
Although grass-fed meat is not always lower in total fat content, it is a great deal higher in 'good' fats. One fatty acid, CLA, is almost non-existent in meat from the feedlot. This nutrient helps the body break down saturated fat and burn it for energy. CLA is plentiful in pastured beef.
The Weston A. Price Foundation has sponsored tests on both kinds of meat, and the findings of gas chromatography studies are interesting. Feedlot meat contains an unnaturally high level of polyunsaturated fat, for instance. The Weston A. Price Foundation is dedicated to promoting whole, natural foods as a pathway to health.
For many consumers, it is enough to know that the animals they eat have not been fed conventional or genetically-modified grain, with consequent traces of chemicals and lower levels of vitamins and minerals. They also feel that naturally-raised animals are healthier. Many producers of pasture-raised animals also guarantee that no hormones or antibiotics have been used in the raising of the animals.
Pastured animals also are 'greener' than those confined to pens or feedlots. The run-off from factory farms is a major source of water pollution, and the production of so-called 'greenhouse gases' is much higher from feedlots than from a field of happy cows with room to roam and a diet of mixed grasses and native plants. Neighbors are happier, too, without the smells and humane-farming concerns of large commercial farms.
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.
Most of the research that you can find online refers to beef, but similar benefits for pork make sense. Also, the conditions that many pigs are raised in are horrendous. The pig, a most intelligent but (unfortunately for them) fast-growing, fast weight-gaining animal, thrives in a free-range environment. On large pig farms, however, the animals may be confined to crowded, uncomfortable, boring conditions all of their lives. For humane reasons alone, it's important to support grass-fed pork producers.
Tests have shown that pastured meats, from animals raised on grass and never fed grain, are much higher in Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients, known to be good for the brain and the heart, are often deficient in American diets. Omega-6 fatty acids, however, are plentiful in liquid vegetable oils, which many people consume as oils or in baked goods. Meat from cattle fattened and 'finished' in feedlots, on a diet of grain and plant products like beet pulp, is high in Omega-6.
Although grass-fed meat is not always lower in total fat content, it is a great deal higher in 'good' fats. One fatty acid, CLA, is almost non-existent in meat from the feedlot. This nutrient helps the body break down saturated fat and burn it for energy. CLA is plentiful in pastured beef.
The Weston A. Price Foundation has sponsored tests on both kinds of meat, and the findings of gas chromatography studies are interesting. Feedlot meat contains an unnaturally high level of polyunsaturated fat, for instance. The Weston A. Price Foundation is dedicated to promoting whole, natural foods as a pathway to health.
For many consumers, it is enough to know that the animals they eat have not been fed conventional or genetically-modified grain, with consequent traces of chemicals and lower levels of vitamins and minerals. They also feel that naturally-raised animals are healthier. Many producers of pasture-raised animals also guarantee that no hormones or antibiotics have been used in the raising of the animals.
Pastured animals also are 'greener' than those confined to pens or feedlots. The run-off from factory farms is a major source of water pollution, and the production of so-called 'greenhouse gases' is much higher from feedlots than from a field of happy cows with room to roam and a diet of mixed grasses and native plants. Neighbors are happier, too, without the smells and humane-farming concerns of large commercial farms.
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.
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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.
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