Many Americans are concerned about the wholesomeness of the food sold in the country's grocery stores. 'Factory farming' is a term used to describe the huge mono-crop fields or orchards, the miles of feedlots, and the huge confinement buildings where much of our produce and meat is raised. Grass fed beef and pork is a way to get healthier meat, support humane treatment of animals, and protect the environment.
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.
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.
A foundation in Washington, DC, that promotes a healthy diet of whole, unaltered foods - naturally raised without chemicals and processed as little as possible - has sponsored research into the benefits of pastured meats. Gas chromatography was used to determine the fat levels in meat, comparing conventional meat bought in a grocery store with pastured beef from a local farm. Feedlot beef is high in polyunsaturated fats, which come from the grain diet fed the cattle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A foundation in Washington, DC, that promotes a healthy diet of whole, unaltered foods - naturally raised without chemicals and processed as little as possible - has sponsored research into the benefits of pastured meats. Gas chromatography was used to determine the fat levels in meat, comparing conventional meat bought in a grocery store with pastured beef from a local farm. Feedlot beef is high in polyunsaturated fats, which come from the grain diet fed the cattle.
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.
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.
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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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