What’s the Deal with Organic?
When you hear the word "organic," you probably associate it with healthy. But why is that? What is it about organic products that makes them better for you than the average non-organic product on the shelf?
When it comes to meat, the term organic has to do with how the animals were raised, what they were fed, and how they were treated if they ever got sick.
In order for a product to be USDA certified organic, the animals have to have fields to graze in during grazing season. They also are fed an organic diet, ensuring that none of the food they eat has been treated with pesticides, insecticides, or any other “-ides.”
The animals are never given antibiotics, growth hormones, or GMOs, so when you eat organic meat, you are not ingesting any of those things either. Certain strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, and consuming organic products can help to lessen your exposure to antibiotics, curbing the resistance.
You may be wondering how the animals avoid sickness if they are not given antibiotics. Organic farmers actually implement preventative efforts. And if those efforts fail, they will turn to holistic medicine instead of antibiotics.
So how does this make organic healthier?
According to a study done by The Organic Center, organic meat can contain more antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids and less cholesterol than non-organic meat. Not to mention you are avoiding consuming growth hormones and pesticides by choosing organic products.¹
If you’re looking for organic products, Pederson’s offers organic no sugar bacon and organic ground beef online. You can find other organic products in retailers near you.
¹The Organic Center. (2020). The Benefits of Organic Meat