The Importance of Eating Organic Meats and Dairy Products

By Rose Swartz March 17, 2023 12 mins read 163 Views

Organic meats and dairy products are better for your health than conventionally-produced versions. They contain fewer harmful antibiotics and less pesticide residue.

Organic meat and dairy are also higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Moreover, they emit less carbon than their conventional counterparts.

Better for your health

Organic meats and dairy products are safer because they contain no harmful antibiotics, GMOs or pesticides. They also contain more vital nutrients than the non-organic versions.

A recent study from the University of Newcastle shows that organic meat and milk are higher in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and other essential minerals and antioxidants than conventionally raised versions.

The research team found that both organic and conventional meat and milk have slightly lower levels of two saturated fats, while they have a greater percentage of beneficial omega-3 polyunsaturated fats.

In addition, organically grown plants are known to produce a higher percentage of heart-disease fighting antioxidants called flavonoids than chemically grown foods. They also have a lower amount of nitrate, which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

Better for the environment

There are a lot of benefits to eating organic meats and dairy products. The biggest one is that it’s better for the environment.

Eating organic means that you won’t be consuming pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Instead, your food is grown using natural pesticides or non-toxic chemical alternatives.

Another benefit is that organic farming uses less energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is because organic farms don’t use synthetic nitrogen or fertilizers that can damage the soil.

Choosing organic meats and dairy products also helps reduce your exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Research has shown that bacteria collected from organic herds is less resistant to antibiotics than those on conventional farms.

In addition, a German study found that meat from organic cows was lower in saturated fat than meat from conventional ones. It also had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, iron, vitamin E and carotenoids.

Better for the animals

Choosing organic meats and dairy products is a good way to help animals. These types of products are free from a number of harmful chemicals and hormones.

Animals on organic farms are given access to the outdoors, are fed only organic feed and do not receive routine antibiotics or growth hormones. The animals are also free from the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and sewage sludge.

These standards are in place to protect the health of the animals and the environment.

In addition, organic products are more nutritious than their non-organic counterparts. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Organic livestock products are also higher in omega-3 fatty acids. This is because organic animals eat grass rather than grains and graze more often.

Better for the farmers

There are many reasons to choose organic meats and dairy products, but it’s important to understand that choosing these foods is better for the farmers as well. When animals are raised organically, they are allowed access to the outdoors with adequate shade, shelter, and clean water.

This helps ensure the health and wellbeing of each animal and allows them to thrive in their natural environment. It also prevents the use of synthetic pesticides and antibiotics, both of which are harmful to humans and animals.

When a farm is certified as organic, the USDA requires that they use methods that don’t involve synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This means that they will often employ cover crops and other natural methods to help control weeds, pests, and diseases. These methods also help keep soil healthy and fertile, which is essential for the growth of healthy crops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is organic food better for us?

The Environmental Working Group's most recent report on pesticide residues found in food shows that organic fruits and veggies had almost half the pesticide content of non-organic. Organic apples had eight times less pesticides than nonorganic apples. However, organic strawberries had four times the amount of pesticides as their conventional counterparts.

Some studies also suggest that eating organic food helps reduce your exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury and lead. For example, one study showed that children who ate organic meat had 33 percent lower blood lead levels than those who didn't consume organic meats. Another study concluded that pregnant women should avoid consuming conventional fish due to high levels of mercury.

Organic food is generally safer than non-organic. Experts recommend eating fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible to reduce the chance of developing cancer.

How can I determine if my produce was organic?

These labels will help you ensure that organic produce is purchased.

USDA Organic Certified - Produce certified by the USDA as being 100% organic.

Certified Naturally Grown - Produce that has passed strict requirements for organic practices but has not yet received certification from the USDA.

Pastured/Free-range - Made from animals that graze on grass and herbs outdoors.

These labels indicate whether the product meets certain criteria.

No pesticides nor synthetic fertilizers
No genetically altered organisms
No antibiotics are ever given to the animal
Animals never receive hormones
No growth-promoting drug
No feed additives
No artificial ingredients
No irradiation
No sewage effluent
GMOs are not allowed
Antibiotics have never been administered
No hormones ever given
No growth-promoting drug
No feed additives
No artificial ingredients
No sewage sludge, if it's not a GMO
No irradiation

I hope this article was helpful!

What are the benefits to organic farming?

Organic farming provides farmers with a way of producing food without using chemicals. Farmers don't need to worry that harmful pesticides could harm their crops or animals.

Organic farming allows for natural fertilizers to be used. These fertilizers can be used to help grow healthier plants and to reduce the amount produced chemical waste.

Organic farming is also sustainable. To recycle nutrients back into soil, farmers often resort to composting. This helps to reduce pollution and conserve valuable resources.

Organic farming improves crop yields while also helping the environment. Because organic farming uses less water during the growing season, this is why it is so successful.

Organic production also means that farmers get higher prices for their products. Consumers who are more aware about the dangers associated with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other chemicals will choose healthier foods.

This raises the demand to produce organic food products. Organic farming is becoming more popular because of this.

Statistics

To provide the highest quality products and services to every customer, with a dedicated workforce that puts the customer first and takes the extra step to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and loyalty. (hollinsorganic.com)
Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)

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What happens when you switch from conventional products to organic?

Organic products do not contain synthetic fertilizers or hormones. They come only from natural sources of water and free-range animals. Organic means that they are free from chemicals and additives. This product was naturally produced and contains no harmful chemicals.

The term "natural" refers to how food is grown. It is usually used to describe foods that haven't been processed into their final form (e.g., fruits). Natural foods are often fresher because they're not subject to heat radiation, chemical preservatives or any other treatment. Some people don't believe that natural means healthy. Experts agree that organic and conventional foods are very similar. Both types are tested for safety as well as quality. But organic produce has fewer pollutants and pesticide residues than conventionally grown produce.

Most grocery stores now carry organic meats and poultry. Check with your local market if you want organic meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood. Some companies offer only organic products while others have separate sections. USDA Certified Organic, Non GMO Project Verified. Biodynamic Association Certified. Rainforest Alliance Certified.

These products should not be consumed if you are pregnant. Pesticides are known to affect unborn babies and infants.