Did you know that pasture-raised chickens are nutritionally superior to commercial factory-raised chickens? Grazing birds are chickens (and other birds such as ducks and geese) that are raised in bottomless cages on grass where they peck and scratch the ground and hunt for insects and seeds along with their grain. Their manure is spread over wide areas of grass as they move. This is better for the birds and the ground.
They are sometimes mistakenly called free-range chickens. Free range chickens are still kept in confinement, only allowed to “free range” within their buildings. From eggs to plastic-wrapped drumsticks, commercial birds are housed in close confinement, their feet always in their own manure, and they don’t get the benefits of fresh air and sunlight on pasture.
So what are the benefits of eating poultry?
• Clean meat. Commercial poultry is washed in highly chlorinated water and leaves a residue on the meat. This is why Russia and the European Union will not buy poultry products from most US processors.
• Chickens are healthier which translates into healthier meat. As far back as the 1930s it was known that confinement and grain alone drastically reduce chicken health, resulting in no dead eggs or chicks. When grazed for insects and seeds and allowed to roam, in addition to grain, the hens had normal eggs and the chicks thrived.
• Balancing essential fats in your diet is easy with grass-fed poultry because it has more Omega-3 than commercial chicken meat.
• Grass-fed poultry has more vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene.
• They are free of hormones, antibiotics and drugs.
• They are arsenic free. Commercial poultry are fed small amounts of arsenic in their feed. This is a poison that stimulates their appetites. Traces of arsenic can be found in meat.
• The meat is tasting. Just ask the chefs at high-end restaurants. They will pay more for grass fed chicken and other meats because they like to cook with it and it is in high demand.
Look for local growers, farmers, and farmers who graze their poultry or let them roam. Learn about the origin of your food and enjoy the nutritional benefits of poultry.
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
