Animals We Eat
The Connection Between Your Health and Your Food
Do you ever think about the life of the burger, steak or kabob you are about to eat? What about that Rotisserie Chicken? In the United States, we are being called to action to pay better attention to the origin of our food like our life depends on it. It turns out it does.
Factory farms also known as CAFOs ( Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) can have significant implications for gut health, both in the animals raised in those conditions and the people that eat them. These operations rely heavily on antibiotics to promote growth and prevent diseases in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Continuous low-dose antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to antibiotic resistance and potentially impacting human health when those antibiotics are consumed through meat or dairy products.
Animals in factory farms endure high levels of stress due to overcrowding, confinement, and other unnatural conditions. This stress can lead to increased production of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can alter gut microbiota composition and increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal issues. Animals in factory farms are often fed diets that are not natural to their species, such as grains for ruminants like cows or fishmeal for chickens. These diets can alter the composition of the animals' gut microbiota, greatly affecting the nutritional quality of the meat or dairy products produced. The conditions in factory farms can lead to inflammation in the animals' bodies, which can also affect their gut health. Inflammation can disrupt the intestinal barrier and lead to leaky gut syndrome, where bacteria and toxins leak from the gut into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic inflammation and other health issues.
From a nutritional standpoint, animals raised in a humane habitat provide significantly better nutrient density for you as the consumer. Grass-fed animal products typically contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), compared to products from CAFO-raised animals. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
Grass-fed animal products also tend to have higher levels of CLA, a type of fat associated with various health benefits, including reduced body fat and improved metabolic health. Grass-fed animal products may have higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin K2, and various antioxidants. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
Grass-fed animals are typically raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, which can be commonly used in CAFOs. Avoiding these substances may reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and potential hormonal disruptions in humans consuming animal products.
Grass-fed farming practices often have less environmental impact compared to CAFOs, as they generally involve more sustainable land management practices, such as rotational grazing, which can help preserve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on Regenerative Farming, The Weston A Price Foundation is a great resource.
https://www.westonaprice.org/#gsc.tab=0
Small changes made gradually are easier to maintain when life circumstances change . I can help you find your path to better eating and good health! If you have a question or health concern, feel free to email me at hello@angiesrealfood.
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