Health Benefits of Pasture Raised Poultry
For the past four years, our family has been raising chickens and turkeys on pasture. (We briefly dabbled in raising ducks, but found them too difficult to pluck.) If you've tried our pasture raised poultry, you know that it is vastly different from the poultry commonly sold in grocery stores. If you haven't tried it yet, you might be wondering why pasture raised poultry is so special. The difference between pasture raised and conventionally raised poultry goes beyond taste, ethics, or animal welfare: it shows up in the nutritional value of the meat you put on your plate. Below, we'll review some of the reasons that pasture raised poultry is a healthier choice (for you and for the birds).
Commercially raised birds spend their entire lives indoors, eating a diet that consists exclusively of grain. Pasture raised birds have the freedom to roam outdoors, eating plants and bugs, soaking up the sunshine, and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. This active, natural lifestyle makes for healthier animals, which in turn means more nutritious meat for humans.
One of the biggest nutritional benefits of pasture raised poultry is the improved fat profile. Pasture raised meats have less saturated fat and more heart healthy polyunsaturated fats. Pasture raised meats also boast a lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Omega-6 fats, commonly found in processed foods and conventional meats, can cause inflammation when consumed in excess. Pasture raised birds have more omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory and support heart, brain, and joint health. Compared to conventionally raised poultry, pasture raised poultry has 2.3 times more omega-3 fats, 3 times more long chain omega-3s, and a 90% lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
Pasture raised poultry isn't just better for your heart, it's also a powerhouse of muscle and skin supporting nutrients. Pasture raised birds have 6% more protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, 15% more collagen, which supports joint health and skin elasticity, and 1.3 times more vitamin E, which protects cells from free radicals. (Bone broth, anyone?)
Research shows that meat from pasture raised birds is nutritionally superior to that from conventionally raised birds. The improved balance of fats and higher nutrient content make it a smarter choice for consumers who care about what they eat and how it’s raised. It might cost a little more, but the nutritional returns are well worth it.
If you’re looking to make more nutritious choices, consider ordering pasture raised poultry from us! We offer free local pick up at our farm in Owls Head, free local pick up in Saranac Lake, and free local delivery to the surrounding areas. Our birds are raised in small batches with the utmost love and care, butchered humanely on our farm, and frozen right away for maximum freshness. To see what we have in stock at the moment, click here.