Beef jerky is a healthy nutritious snack that not only tastes delicious, but can also keep you satiated for hours during a busy day. One ounce of beef jerky is chock-full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary to support your body and give it the oh-so-needed energy boost. You can find different kinds of beef jerky in the market that vary in taste and preparation methods. Still, there’s one main distinction you should always consider - is the meat used to prepare the product organic or not? If you think it’s not that important, this article may completely change your mind.
Here at BEEFA, we make sure that all our ingredients are organic and of high quality, especially the meat we use to produce our beef jerky. When it comes to health and nutrition value, organic meat is much better for your body, and for the environment as well. Let’s review some of the benefits of organic meat every consumer needs to know about.
What is Organic Meat?
When talking about organic foods, and meat in particular, we need to understand that certain regulations apply to the way the cattle is raised, kept, fed, and looked after. It’s a multi-faceted process that prioritizes the health of cattle and its living conditions above everything else. The environment, access to fresh air and water, and 100% organic feed are the key components to producing organic meat. The caretakers of livestock should also stick to a holistic approach in treating diseases and avoid using hormones and harmful antibiotics.
Health Benefits of Organic Beef
According to a study done by Newcastle University, the health benefits of organic meat are numerous. Its composition greatly differs from its non-organic counterpart in terms of mineral, vitamin, and fatty acid content. Here are some of the benefits you need to be aware of.
1. Higher Content of Omega-3s
Organic meat contains 50% more omega-3 fatty acids compared to non-organic meat. Omega 3s are unsaturated fats that keep all the cells in our bodies healthy. They also promote heart health when taken in moderation. The biggest amount of omega 3s are concentrated in our brains and eyes, supporting the cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Our bodies don’t produce enough Omega-3s on their own, so we need to get them from the foods we eat.
2. Higher Antioxidant Levels
According to another study, organic meat, and beef in particular, has higher levels of beta-carotene, taurine and Q10, which are potent antioxidants that promote skin and lung health, as well as better cognitive function. They are the key components that support our brain and heart functions, preventing heart failure, chronic fatigue, and obesity. Organic beef also contains 170% more alpha-linolenic acid that decreases the risk of heart disease.
3. Less Harmful Bacteria
Organic meat has lower levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that pose a direct threat to consumer’s health. Each year this bacteria causes thousands of deaths and poses a risk of developing hard-to-treat foodborne infections. As a rule, the cattle on organic farms are raised without the antibiotic treatment, making the end product much healthier and safer for consumption. If the animals do need antibiotics to treat some diseases, they are later removed from organic farms to maintain the health standards and regulations.
4. Less Exposure to Pesticides
Non-organic farms use feed that contains pesticides that can later accumulate in animal muscles and organs. Organic farms, on the other hand, are prohibited to use both feed and pastures that are contaminated with pesticides. This means when you choose organic meat, you avoid consuming harmful chemicals and can even reduce the level of pesticides that are already in your body. According to studies, more than 50% of foods we consume have pesticide residue in them. Still, even if you choose to eat organic meat and other organic products from time to time, you can greatly reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Why Should You Choose Organic Beef Jerky?
With meat being the main ingredient of beef jerky, choosing the organic one seems like the most reasonable thing to do. Organic beef has the following benefits:
- No antibiotics, GMOs, pesticides, and synthetic hormones are used while raising cattle.
- The health and natural behavior of livestock is the biggest priority.
- Cattle consume organic feed and are grazed throughout the grazing season.
- Organic farms use holistic healthcare practices to keep the animals in good physical condition.
- Organic beef is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins that help support our various bodily functions.