Omega 3, antioxidants, vitamins, low fat: Which kind of meat and poultry works best for you?

It is important to remember that our food choices have consequences, and opting for organic meat is a small but meaningful step towards a healthier future, says Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals

Compared to normal meats available at shops, both corn-fed and grass-fed meats offer unique qualities (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Often when you are buying poultry or meat, you may be confused by the labels on them such as antibiotic free, grass-fed, corn fed, broiler, country. However, choosing organic meat goes beyond labels and is a conscious decision towards a healthier lifestyle. It is important to understand the significance of labels and what they mean in the context of organic meat. It educates us about the rigorous standards that organic meat must meet, ensuring that it is free from antibiotics, hormones and synthetic additives. By prioritising organic meat, we prioritise our own health, avoiding potential risks associated with conventional meat production. So, let’s understand which meat is what.

Corn-fed vs grass-fed meats: Corn-fed and grass-fed refer to the diets of animals raised for meat production and have distinct differences from normal meats available at shops. Corn-fed meat comes from animals that are primarily fed corn during their lifespan. This diet promotes rapid weight gain and marbling, resulting in meat that is typically more tender and flavourful. However, the use of corn in animal feed is often associated with the conventional meat industry, where animals may be given growth hormones and antibiotics to enhance growth and prevent diseases.

On the other hand, grass-fed meat comes from animals that primarily graze throughout their lives. This diet is more natural for the animals, allowing them to roam freely and consume a diet that closely mimics their evolutionary needs. Grass-fed meat is generally leaner and has a distinct flavour, reflecting the diversity of plants the animals have consumed. Additionally, grass-fed meat tends to have higher levels of certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Compared to normal meats available at shops, both corn-fed and grass-fed meats offer unique qualities. Corn-fed meat is known for its tenderness and flavour, while grass-fed meat is often appreciated for its leanness and nutritional profile. Furthermore, choosing corn-fed or grass-fed meat can be a conscious decision to support more sustainable and ethical practices in harvesting animals, as these methods prioritize animal welfare, environmental conservation and reduce the use of antibiotics and hormones. Ultimately, understanding the differences between corn-fed, grass-fed and normal meats allows consumers to make informed choices that align with their values, health goals and environmental concerns.

Additionally, greater nutritional benefits in organic meat involve more good omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol, and more antioxidants. This leads to a lower risk of exposure to antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides including fewer negative effects on the environment.

Country vs broiler chicken: Country chicken has fewer toxins from free foraging as opposed to broiler chickens, which are injected with hormones and additives that are known to increase the risk of cancer and early onset of puberty. Country chicken is lower in fat. Broiler chicken has a higher protein content because of a diet that is conditioned towards building its levels and helping in muscle growth. Country chicken scores over broiler chicken when it comes to higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids because they are allowed to forage and eat a more varied diet. Both country chicken and broiler chicken are good sources of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Free Range: This refers to the animals’ housing conditions, which must feature access to the outdoors for over 51 per cent of their lives. However, while this works well for animals, it doesn’t have any impact on the meat’s health benefits.