You've likely seen packages of chicken emblazoned with words like organic, all-natural, free-range and hormone-free. While these terms are not regulated, they can be helpful to identify the best chicken for your health.
Although organic chicken is more expensive than conventionally raised chicken, its higher nutrient content and environmental sustainability make it worth the extra cost.
Higher Nutrient Content
When you buy chicken from the grocery store, you have a lot of choices. There are free-range, organic, cage-free and air-chilled options to choose from. Each type of chicken has its own unique set of benefits, but how do you know which one is the best choice for you?
According to research, it appears that organic chicken has higher nutritional content than regular chicken. However, it’s important to note that these differences are minor.
The main advantage that organic chicken has over regular chicken is that it is free from antibiotics and pesticides. This can help prevent health problems such as heart disease and foodborne illnesses like Salmonella.
Also, chickens raised organically have access to the outdoors which encourage movement and lean muscle growth. In addition, they are fed a diet of balanced meals and kept in hygienic housing. As a result, they have more protein, iron and zinc in their meat than their factory farm counterparts.
Lower Fat Content
Chicken is a healthy source of protein and is low in saturated fat. Organic chicken also has less total fat compared to regular chicken (see References 2). Registered dietician Nancy Goodwin, says that the lower fat content of organic chicken may be due to the fact that the animals are allowed to roam freely and forage on the ground, and they eat a more natural diet.
Chickens raised in organic systems are also not given antibiotics or any other medicines. This helps ensure that the meat is free from harmful bacteria such as campylobacter, which can cause food-borne illness.
Despite these differences, once the skin is removed the calorie and fat content of organic and regular chicken is similar. Both types of chicken are also low in saturated fat and trans fat free. The micronutrient content of both types of chicken is also similar. The vitamin and mineral content of both is high in folate, potassium, vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron.
More Vitamins & Minerals
Aside from the more obvious nutrients like vitamins and minerals, organic chicken is also rich in micronutrients. These are needed in small amounts but play major roles in the body’s functions. Some examples of these include iodine, potassium, folate, zinc and magnesium.
The higher nutrient content of organic chicken makes it a healthier alternative to regular chicken, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. The lean protein in organic chicken helps keep you feeling full longer so that you’ll be less likely to overeat.
Organic chicken is also less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Helicobacter pylori, which can cause foodborne illnesses. The organic feed and natural living conditions of the chickens also help to reduce their exposure to antibiotics. Lastly, the lack of pesticides and other chemical fertilizers means that they’re not being exposed to these chemicals either. This is good news for your health as well as the environment.
Better Taste
With growing concerns about tainted meat and antibiotic resistance, consumers are digging into their wallets to purchase organic. However, when it comes to poultry, the question arises – does organic chicken really taste better?
When it comes to organic chicken, the main requirement is that it is raised without any hormones. It should also be fed a natural diet and have access to the outdoors.
In addition, the chicken should be allowed to roam and exercise in a healthy, stress-free environment. These practices are a far cry from the conditions in many factory farms, where chickens are forced to grow at an unnatural pace and are often injected with antibiotics.
A registered dietician suggests that chickens raised with the ability to move around tend to be leaner and have less fat, which is good for your heart. Additionally, they are likely to have more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (which helps with weight loss). However, it’s important to remember that even though the quality of meat may be better, organic chicken is not always cheaper than conventionally raised alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of organic foods?
While organic foods may not be suitable for everyone's health, they are healthy for some people. However, regular consumption of organic foods can have health benefits.
Organic food is grown without the use of 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. So when you buy an organic product, you're likely eating healthier than non-organic products.
Studies have shown organic foods have more nutrients and antioxidants that conventionally grown fruits, vegetables.
Although organic farming methods tend to cost more than conventional farming methods, they often yield better results. Organic farming increases soil fertility and biodiversity.
This helps conserve water resources and protects against erosion. Organic farms also require less energy and fuel, as they aren't treated using toxic chemicals.
People worry that organic foods will be more expensive than those made from conventional food. Prices will vary depending where you live. For example, organic apples are generally more expensive 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. If organic food doesn't appeal to you, you shouldn't bother.
Organic food is available if you are a fan of good food. Organic foods are safer as most commercial growers use chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified species (GMOs) to produce their crops.
Organic agriculture preserves our environment by conserving natural resource and encouraging biodiversity.
Are organic meats better?
If you have been paying attention for long enough, you will probably know the answer. The problem is that organic food is increasingly popular, but conventional food continues its decline.
Organic foods are more appealing because they are healthier. Organic products are healthier for us and the environment.
There are two sides to the coin. Organic produce takes more time to grow and requires greater resources. This means organic food will cost more than its non-organic counterpart.
Organic meats can be more expensive that those from conventionally raised animals. There are however ways to lower these costs without sacrificing the quality of organic meats.
Locally grown produce is a great way to save money. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables helps keep prices low because farmers receive incentives to grow healthy crops.
A great way to save money is to search for deals. When you purchase organics, there are often discounts.
Finally, another way to save money is by eating less meat. The feed required to raise cattle can make meat production expensive.
There are many reasons organic foods are better for our bodies and the environment, but we need to be mindful of the cost.
Why should I buy organic?
Many health issues have been linked to conventional agriculture, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. When buying food, you must make wise choices.
The Environmental Working Group offers these tips:
When possible, buy organic fruits and veggies
USDA organic labels can be found on meat, poultry (eggs, eggs), milk, cheese and yogurt as well.
Avoid processed foods labelled "natural"/ "no additives."
Check ingredient lists carefully. If an ingredient is not listed, it can be added during processing.
Frozen and canned meats should be preferred to fresh. Frozen and canned foods often contain less nutrient-rich ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.
What is inorganic foods?
Organic food does not use pesticides or fertilizers. Inorganic foods contain these chemicals, which may cause health problems.
Organic food is free from harmful substances like pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals may cause damage to animals as well as humans.
Inorganic food includes meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, honey, grains, vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs.
The way that an agricultural product is grown organically is what the term means. Organic farming is based on natural methods, soil amendments, and crop growth. Conventional farming uses pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must set strict guidelines for organic foods. According to the National Organic Program Standards, all certified organic food must be free from prohibited materials such as antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and industrial solvents. Organic food must be grown without the use of toxic chemicals or petroleum-based fertilizers.
Why is organic foods important?
Organic produce is important for our health. It is the best way for us to eat healthy food. Not only is it better for us, but it's also more environmentally friendly because it doesn't rely on pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic farming is a natural method of growing crops that uses no harmful chemicals. This means fewer environmental pollutants, making it safer for humans and animals. You are helping the planet and yourself by choosing organic food.
Organic food has many benefits that go beyond health. We all know how unhealthy processed foods can make us feel. But did you know that most organic fruits and vegetables aren't treated with chemical spray either? This means they are more fresh tasting, last longer and look better.
This is why organic food is so important. Because organic is healthier for you as well as for the world.
What are some things I should look out for when purchasing organic goods?
USDA-certified organic labels should be sought. This certification means that the product is certified organic by USDA. On packages, boxes, cartons or cans, look out for the USDA Organic seal.
When shopping for meat, ensure it comes from cows fed 100% organic feed. Cattle are ruminants. They eat the whole animal. Ruminant cattle can be found with four stomach compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, omasum, abomasum and omasum. All parts of an animal must be organically fed if the cow is going to be labelled '100% organic.'
You should only purchase chicken that has been raised organically. It must not have ever been treated with antibiotics. Chickens can eat both animal and plant food. A digestive tract that is omnivorous includes a crop, proventriculus and gizzard. It also contains small intestines, large intestines, and anus.
You should ensure you only buy dairy products made from milk that has been produced by cows who have been fed 100% organically grown food. Just like ruminants, dairy cows also have four stomachs. The fourth stomach, or the udder is where you get milk.
Check the label when purchasing livestock of any other type to find out what percentage was used in the animal's diet. A label for pork might say "95% organic", which means that 95% of the feed used by the pork came from organic sources.
Statistics
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (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)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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- Occupational Pesticide Exposures and Cancer Risk: A Review: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B: Vol 15, No 4
- Genetically modified foods - safety, risks and public concern - A review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
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How To
Organic foods: Are organic foods healthier?
Organic foods are grown without the use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. They are grown in natural conditions and without the use of any artificial inputs like fungicides or herbicides. Crop rotation, cover crops and the use of compost animal manure, wastewater recycling, and integrated pest management (IPM) are some examples of organic farming.
In 2002, USDA National Organic Program was established. It regulates the handling, processing, labelling and sale of organic products within the United States. NOP regulations ensure organic agricultural products conform to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Organic products must also be free from banned substances, such as pesticides residues, growth hormones and irradiation.
There are two types available in the U.S. for producers who want their products to be labeled "organic". One for farmers and ranchers, and one for manufacturers. Each program requires an annual audit of operations to ensure compliance with strict standards. This service is offered by several certifying agents, such as the CCOF Certified Organic Farmers & Ranchers or Quality Assurance International. Each of these organizations provides third-party verification to verify that farms are following strict guidelines in regards to environmental stewardship, labour practices and care for livestock.
According to USDA's Economic Research Service in 2013, organic agriculture generated $4.7 billion in revenue. The retail spending on organic products accounted for nearly $1.5 billion in 2013, a 23 percent increase over 2009. This period saw a 12 percent increase in grocery store sales. Direct purchases of organic produce saw a 29 percent increase in spending, while seafood, meat, poultry and eggs experienced a 1 percent growth.
Organic food is more expensive, but consumers believe its quality is worth the extra cost. Consumer Reports found that 88 per cent of respondents would be willing to pay more for organic food if the nutritional value was higher. A Health Affairs study also found that organic food consumers are less likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart disease, depression, and other diseases.
There is no evidence to suggest eating organic foods can treat or prevent any diseases. However, some studies have suggested that they might be beneficial for your health as they may reduce your exposure of pesticides and contaminants. For example, a review of 31 studies published in 2010 concluded that organically raised beef had significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals and parasites than conventionally raised beef. A separate analysis of 11 publications from 2012 produced similar results.
A 2014 report from the Environmental Working Group looked at data from the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Resource Center and found that the incidence of foodborne illness caused by E. coli, salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, campylobacter, and verotoxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 decreased when comparing organic to non-organic chicken, pork, beef, lamb, milk, and cheese. The group also noted that the incidence of human illnesses due to E. coli O157 declined among children and adults after 2006, when the USDA started requiring more stringent organic standards for animals raised for consumption.
Resources:
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