There is increasing concern over what actually goes in our food. More and more consumers have forced the manufactures to disclose just what goes into our food. Legislation has forced the improvement of labeling on the products we buy, yet there are still areas that are of concern.
Take chicken for example. I recently was in a store that promoted free-range chicken, organic chicken, and the conventional chicken. Okay so I ask myself which one should I be eating? I did some homework and found that the free-range chicken most likely was not organic since the feed it ate would be genetically modified and that the definition of free range is somewhat controversial. In order to label chicken as free-range, producers must demonstrate through affidavits or testimonials that their poultry have free, continuous access to the outdoors for more than half of their lives. The free-range label is slightly controversial, since some producers insist that the label applies even if the birds do not actually go outdoors very much or at all — they merely need the option to go outside.
So lets take a look at the Organic chicken. Law states that it must be fed only certified organic feed, which is grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides, from the time they are two days old. They may not receive hormones or antibiotics at any time, though they may receive vaccinations to prevent common diseases. Though they may be kept inside temporarily for specific purposes like medical treatment or to protect the quality of soil or water, they must be given reasonable access to the outdoors.
Scientific research does not clearly show any health or nutritional benefits from eating organic or free-range chicken versus conventionally-raised chicken. Nonetheless, consumers’ perception of nutritional superiority continues to drive much of the demand for certified organic and free-range poultry.
Another key factor in deciding which chicken to eat is cost. Organic and free range chicken costs significantly more simply because of the increased growing period. A conventional chicken will be in the local store in 30-40 days. An organic and free range chicken will be in the local store in 60-70 days.
Given all of the data that I have gone though the deciding factor for me is eating as clean as possible. Since I have a hip replacement I take what I put in my body very seriously. I believe the less stress I put on my immune system the better long term. What eating clean means is eating chicken that has no added hormones, antibiotics, etc. It also means eating a chicken that has been treated as humanely as possible.
So eating Organic Chicken is the only way to go for me, yet that my not be the case for all of you!
So why did the Organic Chicken cross the road? You Tell Me! I look forward to your answers!
Yours in health,
John – One Hip Guy