Benefits of Eating Pasture-Raised Chicken
posted on
July 27, 2023
When it comes to eating healthfully, one powerful choice you can make is to purchase pasture-raised chicken.
This type of bird offers benefits that industrial-raised chickens simply don't. From the nutritional content of the meat to the environmental impacts and ethical issues connected to commercial farming practices, there’s a lot to consider when evaluating how pasture-raised poultry stands apart from other mass-produced types.
In this blog post, we will explore the key benefits of eating pasture-raised chicken so that you can make an informed decision about what type of meat your family should have on their plate!
What Does it Mean To Eat Pasture-Raised Chicken
Chickens that are pasture raised live outdoors, roaming around on pastures where they can peck at grass and bugs instead of being cooped up indoors. When it comes to eating chicken, there are many options available. One increasingly popular choice is pasture-raised chicken. They have access to fresh air and natural sunlight, which can help keep them healthy.
Additionally, they are typically not given antibiotics or growth hormones, which some people prefer to avoid. As a result, pasture-raised chicken has gained a reputation for being a healthier and more humane option compared to conventionally-raised chicken. It's also often considered to be tastier and more flavorful due to the chickens' varied diet and healthy living conditions.
Health Benefits of Eating Pasture-Raised Chicken
Eating pasture-raised chicken can greatly benefit your health. Pasture-raised chickens are raised in a more humane and natural environment, resulting in healthier and happier birds. This translates to healthier meat that is higher in nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
In addition to being more nutritious, pasture-raised chicken is also lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than conventionally raised chicken. It also doesn't contain harmful additives found in conventionally raised chicken, such as antibiotics and hormones. Choosing pasture-raised chicken is not only better for your health but also promotes ethical and sustainable farming practices.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Pasture-raised chicken is not only a delicious source of protein, but it is also rich in healthy fats.
These healthy fats are essential for maintaining good health and have numerous benefits for the body. One of the most notable benefits is that they can help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, these fats are also important for brain function and can help to improve cognitive function and memory. So not only can you enjoy a delicious meal when you choose pasture-raised chicken, but you can also feel good knowing that you are feeding your body with important nutrients.
Higher Omega-3 Content
Pasture-raised chicken has been making waves in the health community for its numerous benefits. Turns out that those benefits can be even greater when the chicken has a higher Omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining good health and are known to help reduce inflammation and improve brain function, among other things.
By choosing chicken raised on a pasture and fed a diet rich in Omega-3s, consumers can reap even more health rewards than they would with conventionally raised chicken. So next time you're at the grocery store, consider choosing a higher Omega-3 content chicken for a healthier and more delicious meal.
More vitamin E
Did you know that pasture-raised chicken is also a great source of vitamin E? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. And luckily for us, pasture-raised chickens have been found to have higher levels of vitamin E in their meat compared to conventionally raised chickens.
So not only is pasture-raised chicken more humane and environmentally friendly, it's also a healthier choice. Incorporating more pasture-raised chicken into your meals can be a simple yet effective way to up your vitamin E intake and improve your overall health.
Environmental Benefits of Eating Pasture-Raised Chicken
Choosing to eat pasture-raised chicken is not just good for your health, but it also offers environmental benefits. Since these chickens are raised in natural environments, they have a lower carbon footprint compared to their factory-farmed counterparts.
Pasture-raised chicken is free from antibiotics and hormones commonly used in industrial livestock farming, meaning they have less impact on the natural environment and local ecosystems. Additionally, the practice of rotating chickens between pastures helps to preserve soil quality and biodiversity.
So not only do you get a healthier and tastier chicken, but you're also doing your part to support sustainable and environmentally-conscious agriculture.
Birds are allowed to roam freely outdoors and eat a diverse diet
One of the most enjoyable experiences is watching these beautiful creatures roam freely outdoors. Keeping birds caged for extended periods isn't ideal for the ultimate health of the birds. Giving them the freedom to roam and explore their natural surroundings is not only humane, but it also allows them to maintain a diverse diet.
Birds love to forage for various foods, and it's not uncommon to find them snacking on flowers, insects or even small fruits and seeds. Watching these avian creatures walk around, chirping and singing while enjoying their meals makes for a truly mesmerizing experience!
Taste Benefits of Eating Pasture-Raised Chicken
When it comes to poultry, many people opt for chicken as their protein of choice, but not all chicken is created equal. Enter pasture-raised chicken, a type of chicken that is raised on a diet of foraged grasses and insects, resulting in a savoury, earthy flavour that sets it apart from the bland, mass-produced chicken found at most grocery stores.
Not only does pasture-raised chicken taste better, but it also contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Plus, since the birds are raised in a more humane and natural environment, you can feel good about your choice to support sustainable and ethical farming practices.
So, the next time you're in the mood for chicken, consider upgrading to pasture-raised for a taste and health boost that's sure to satisfy.
Meat has a richer flavour due to the more varied diet of the birds
Have you ever noticed the distinctive taste of meat from birds like turkey or duck?
That rich, savoury flavour can be attributed to their diverse diet. Unlike animals that are primarily fed corn or soy, birds allowed to forage for their food have a more varied diet, including everything from insects to worms to different types of plants.
This varied diet contributes to the depth of flavour in their meat, making them a delectable addition to any meal. So next time you savour a piece of turkey or duck, remember that their unique flavour comes from the natural diversity in their diet.
Birds are not being fed antibiotics or hormones that can affect the taste
When it comes to the taste of our food, we want to know that it's as natural as possible.
One concern some people have had is whether or not birds are being fed antibiotics or hormones that could affect the flavour of their meat or eggs.
Luckily, there's good news! Most poultry farmers do not give their birds antibiotics or hormones, as this would negatively affect the animals' health and, ultimately, the quality of their products.
Where to Find Pasture-Raised Chicken Near You
You can find pasture-raised chicken at Hop Creek Farms!
A beautiful drive north on the Sea to Sky highway at our farm market, just a short drive from Vancouver. Our pasture-raised chickens are given plenty of space to roam and are raised on a diet free of antibiotics and hormones.
The result is a delicious and healthy alternative to typical store-bought chicken. Not only are our chickens raised ethically, but they also come from a stunning area of British Columbia - beautiful Squamish. Visit us and taste the difference for yourself.
Fresher Meat and More Cost Effective to Buy From the Source
When buying meat, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh, pasture-raised chicken. Not only does it taste better, but it also comes with a range of health benefits that you won't find in conventionally-raised chicken.
By buying from the source, you'll not only get to enjoy fresher meat, but you'll also save money. That's why so many people are turning to local farmers to get their hands on the best meat around. Join the trend and switch to pasture-raised chicken today! Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Feel Good About What You Eat
Eating pasture-raised chicken has numerous health, environmental and taste benefits.
It is full of healthy fats, omega-3s, and Vitamin E and has a richer flavour due to the variety of food that can find in its outdoor habitat. A major bonus is that it doesn't have antibiotics and hormones added for taste or mass production - making it the fresher option.
Its environmentally friendly use in agriculture also helps reduce pollution from over-fertilization. Accessibly from your local butcher or farmer's market, pasture-raised chicken can be found almost anywhere you look.
Order today to grab your own and feel good about what you're eating!