Pasture raised pork does a body good. When pigs are left alone to be their natural omnivore selves, the pork they produce is major a delight for our bodies. Here are (5) proven help benefits of pasture raised pork.
1. Better Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ratios
Compared to conventionally-raised pork, pasture raised pork has significantly better Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ratios. According to a study conducted by South Dakota State University, 100% grain-fed pork had the highest omega-6:3 ratio at 13.84, while the 100% pasture-raised (no grain) pork had the lowest omega-6:3 ratio at 5.15. A large portion of the healthy fats come directly from their diet, which means anything they can get their snouts into: roots, grass, leaves, grubs, nuts, fruit, and insects. (Source)
2. Higher levels of Vitamin E, Selenium, and Vitamin D
Amazingly, pigs raised on pasture have 300 percent more vitamin E and 74 percent more selenium (a vital antioxidant) in their milk than pigs raised in confinement, according to Don C. Mahan Professor of Animal Sciences at Ohio State University. Additionally, pastured pigs have significantly higher Vitamin D levels.
3. Reduces inflammation
According to Loren Cordain, “Because pigs are monogastric animals (single stomach), they have the ability to convert vegetable and plant 18 carbon fatty acids (ALA) to the 20 and 22 carbon fatty acids (EPA and DHA) which reduce inflammation, reduce cardiovascular disease and promote good health for us all when we eat pork. Free ranging pork contains higher concentrations of these beneficial fatty acids than are found in their feed lot produced counterparts.” (Source)
4. Healthy fats promote skin, hair, and brain health
Getting enough healthy fats is extremely important for our health. Did you know that every single cell in the body contains saturated animal fat? Most of the human brain is composed of fat! That's how important it is! In the fat of the animal contain the essential fat soluble vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K2 which are essential for hair, skin, nail, and brain health and development. (Source).
5. Lower risk of disease
Because of the close quarters the animals live in, diseases can spread rapidly through the herd or flock in conventional-style factory farms. Studies estimate that half of the beef and poultry produced in the U.S. is infected with staph bacteria, which is linked to a number of human diseases. However, pasture raised beef, pork, and other meats are safer and less likely to spread e coli, staph or salmonella bacteria. This type of meat also provides the amazing health benefits listed above that can protect against obesity and diseases, including cancer and heart disease. (Source)
Summary
Pasture raised pork is one of the best meats on the market! Grassfield Farm Pasture Raised Pork comes from happy pigs who have open access to pasture year round! Our farm is Certified Grass Fed and Certified Humane by AWA. We farm the old fashioned way like our grandparents did, and we are passionate about treating the land and our animals with care and respect. Managing the grasses growing in the fields where the cattle, pigs and hens forage results in sustainable nutrition year around for our customers.
