We all know that protein is essential for building muscle and keeping hunger at bay. But when it comes to choosing your protein source, quality matters just as much as quantity.
Organic, grass-fed and natural are terms that you might see on food labels. But what do they really mean?
It’s More Nutrient-Dense
Trying to choose between organic, grass-fed, or the ever-vague natural meats can feel like a test of your knowledge of supermarket labels. But with a few key differences between organic and non-organic meats, understanding what makes organic meat healthier can help you make better choices for your health.
The organic standards that certified meat producers follow ensure that the livestock have access to fresh, healthy feed and water. They are not allowed to receive hormones, which are known to contribute to a variety of diseases, or antibiotics that can cause bacteria to develop resistant strains.
Organically raised animals are also given more space to move around and access to the outdoors. This is why past research has found that the meat and milk from organically raised animals are richer in certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. A 2016 European study showed that levels of these fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and dairy products than conventional versions.
It’s Free from Harmful Substances
The organic label means that animals were raised without antibiotics, hormones or animal byproducts. They also must have access to the outdoors, which means they’re more likely to be healthy and have stronger immune systems.
The USDA’s standards for organic meat also ensure that the feed and forage the animals eat are 100 percent organic. That reduces the risk of contaminated meats and prevents the build-up of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study published last year in Food Science and Nutrition found that organic meat was less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant pathogens than conventional meats. While it’s still too early to say if organic meat is significantly healthier, it’s definitely a good choice for those concerned about food contamination and antibiotic resistance. To limit your exposure, consider limiting red meat to no more than 10 percent of your total calories and choosing organic when possible. You can also try adding plant-based proteins like beans, peas and lentils to your diet.
It’s More Sustainable
Organic farming is focused on sustainability, minimizing negative environmental impacts. This is because organic farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional meat production is a major contributor to climate change due to its large-scale use of fertilizers, transportation, and energy-intensive feed production.
Choosing organic meat is one of the best ways to limit your carbon footprint. However, you should also eat less meat overall as too much red meat is associated with high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Some people also find that organic meat tastes better. However, taste is a personal thing and can be difficult to compare. Nonetheless, eating organic meat can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while still getting plenty of protein.
It’s More Affordable
Organic meat is normally more expensive than traditional meats, but it’s also typically healthier. This makes it a good choice for people who prioritize their health and care about the environment.
The food chain from farm to retailer is regularly inspected by one of the national organic certifying bodies, and detailed records are kept throughout the process. This means that if an organic label is applied to meat, it is verifiable and legitimate.
Although a diet that includes organic or regeneratively raised beef is an excellent way to improve your health, it’s important to remember that even conventional beef is rich in nutrients that many people lack in their diets. And, when it comes to cost, plant-based proteins like lentils and beans are significantly cheaper. It all comes down to your personal preference and values. If the nutrient content, animal welfare and sustainability of your protein sources matter most to you, then organic meat may be worth the extra money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look out for when buying organic products?
USDA-certified organic labels should be sought. This seal signifies that the product meets specific USDA standards. On all packages, boxes and cartons, look for the USDA Organic seal.
When you shop for meat, ensure that it comes from cows who are fed organic feed. Cattle are ruminants. They eat the whole animal. Ruminant cattle have four stomach compartments: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. To be labeled '100% organic, all animal parts must be organically nourished.
Buy chicken from only organic chickens that have been fed 100% organic food and are not given antibiotics. Chickens are omnivores. This means they can eat both plant and animal food. The digestive tract of an omnivorous chicken is composed of a crop and proventriculus, gizzard as well as small intestine, large intestinale, and anus.
When buying dairy products, ensure they come from cows fed 100% organically grown feed. Just like ruminants have four stomachs, dairy cows have four. The fourth stomach compartment is the udder.
Check the label when purchasing livestock of any other type to find out what percentage was used in the animal's diet. One example is pork that may be labeled '95% Organic'. This means that 95 percent came from organic sources.
Do organic foods have health benefits?
Some organic foods may not prove to be good for you. For those who consume them regularly, however, they can offer certain health benefits.
Organic food is produced without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetic engineering. This means that organic produce is grown without harmful chemicals that could harm human health.
Also, there are fewer additives that are used in processing. Organic products are more nutritious than those made from non-organic ingredients.
Studies have shown that organic foods are more nutritious and rich in antioxidants than fruits and veggies grown from conventional sources.
Although organic farming methods tend to cost more than conventional farming methods, they often yield better results. Organic farming encourages soil fertility and biodiversity.
This helps prevent erosion and conserve water. Organic farms do not require toxic chemicals to operate. They also use less energy and fuel.
People worry that organic foods will be more expensive than those made from conventional food. Prices can vary depending on where you live. For example, organic apples can be more costly than conventional apples.
However, organic fruit is more affordable if you compare the price of a basket of both types.
So should you go organic?
It all depends upon who you are. You shouldn't bother if you don't enjoy organic food.
Organic food is available if you are a fan of good food. And since most commercial growers use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), organic foods are safer for consumers.
Organic agriculture preserves our environment by conserving natural resource and encouraging biodiversity.
What is organic food?
Organic produce is grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, genetic engineering, or confinement feeding. There are no growth hormones used and animal testing is not performed. These crops are allowed to grow naturally, so farmers do not use chemicals to prevent weeds or pests.
Organic farming practices help maintain soil quality and reduce erosion. Organics are also better for your health as they contain more nutrients that conventional food. Organic products are typically higher in fiber and lower in fat and calories than conventionally produced ones.
What are the top organic products?
The fastest-growing industry is organic food. Even though we have come a long ways from our roots there is still plenty of room for growth.
Organic products will be the future. Organic products are safer and better for the environment. They also make it more affordable for consumers.
They also tend to have higher prices. That is why we developed the Organic Food Index. We wanted to find out which foods are most popular with shoppers today, and whether these trends are changing.
The results showed that organic food is increasing in popularity. Between 2011 and 2012 the number of Americans buying organic food increased nearly 50%.
According to USDA, organic food production increased by 10% only last year. Organic food now accounts for 9% of U.S. agricultural output.
Although organic food is gaining popularity, it appears that consumers still have to pay a premium for it. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), average retail prices for organic food are almost double those of conventional alternatives.
Despite this, organic food is growing at a faster rate than any other food segment. If you look closely at the data, it will be apparent that organic food consumption has steadily increased since 2009.
According to OTA, organic products sold in supermarkets grew 14% between 2010-2011.
This is due to consumer demand for healthier food, which explains why organic foods sales are rising across all age groups.
However, younger generations are leading the charge when choosing organic food. Millennials are twice as likely to buy organic food compared to baby boomers. And young adults under 35 years old account for 25% of all organic food purchases.
What is organic meat?
Organic meat is real food grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or hormones. It also means that the animals weren't fed any genetically modified feed. This means that the meat is safe for consumption as there aren’t any harmful chemicals.
Organic meats are also healthier for the environment. Eating organic foods helps reduce pollution in the environment, such as rivers and lakes. We can also help wildlife by eating organic foods. Organic farmers do not often use toxic chemicals that can kill birds or insects.
You can eat organic meats and produce whenever you can. Local shopping helps keep more money in your community than it does out of state. Local businesses often pass along savings to customers when shopping locally. Shopping locally helps to keep American workers employed, as opposed to sending them overseas.
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)
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Popular clothing brands, like Patagonia, are labelled as organic by using 100 percent organic cotton for many of their styles. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 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)
External Links
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- Organic food and its impact on human well-being: ScienceDirect assesses the status quo as well as future research prospects
- Technical Note: Simultaneous carotenoid- and vitamin analysis of milk coming from total mixed ration-fed cattle optimized for xanthophyll discovery - ScienceDirect
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- Occupational Pesticide Exposures and the Cancer Risk: A Review. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part. B. Vol 15, Issue 4.
- Genetically modified food: safety, risk and public concerns - a review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
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How To
What happens to your Body When You Switch To Organic Products?
Organic products are free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, and genetic manipulation. They come from clean water sources and free-range animals. The term "organic", which means they don't contain additives or chemicals, refers to their non-containing any. This product was naturally produced and contains no harmful chemicals.
The term "natural" refers to how food is grown. It's usually used to describe foods not processed into their final form (such as fruits). Natural foods are often more fresh than others, because they haven’t been processed with heat, radiation or chemical preservations. However, some people believe natural doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Experts say that there aren't many differences between organic and conventional food. Both types have been tested for quality and safety. But organic produce has fewer pollutants and pesticide residues than conventionally grown produce.
Most grocery shops now carry organic options. Organic meat, poultry or eggs can be found at most local markets. Some companies sell only organic products. Other companies have separate sections. Look for USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Biodynamic Association Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, etc.
These products should not be consumed if you are pregnant. Pesticides are known to affect unborn babies and infants.
Resources:
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