Question Dictionary ... mmmm let's understand this ...
Pasture Raised
What is “Pasture-Raised”?
Pasture-raised means an animal was raised on pasture.
Aren’t all farm animals raised on pasture?
No. While many of us grew up with farm animals happily roaming the countryside, most farm animals haven’t lived like this for years. In our modern, industrial food system, the vast majority of farm animals live in extreme confinement, crowded in warehouses for their entire lives.
They’re given routine antibiotics and undergo severe mutilations like beak-trimming or tail-docking to produce in these stressful and unhealthy conditions.
But why does it matter?
Animals raised humanely on pasture can produce meat, dairy and eggs that are better for us.
When cows graze on green grass and healthy pastures, their milk has more vitamins and higher levels of cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
When chickens scratch, peck and forage naturally, their eggs are tastier and more nutritious, with higher levels of Vitamin E, beta carotene and Omega-3 fatty acids.
All of the wonderful grasses, herbs, flowers, bugs and the amazing variety of life in healthy pastures gets passed along the food chain up to us in the form of healthier food.
QUESTIONS:
Does this mean the animals get only good food or supplemented with "bad stuff" as well ?
Does this mean the animals are taken care of and protected against acts of nature ?
Does this mean the animals are well taken care of as well ?
Do they sleep well, eat well, breed well, feed their babies well and live well all together ?
Pasture-raised means an animal was raised on pasture.
Aren’t all farm animals raised on pasture?
No. While many of us grew up with farm animals happily roaming the countryside, most farm animals haven’t lived like this for years. In our modern, industrial food system, the vast majority of farm animals live in extreme confinement, crowded in warehouses for their entire lives.
They’re given routine antibiotics and undergo severe mutilations like beak-trimming or tail-docking to produce in these stressful and unhealthy conditions.
But why does it matter?
Animals raised humanely on pasture can produce meat, dairy and eggs that are better for us.
When cows graze on green grass and healthy pastures, their milk has more vitamins and higher levels of cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
When chickens scratch, peck and forage naturally, their eggs are tastier and more nutritious, with higher levels of Vitamin E, beta carotene and Omega-3 fatty acids.
All of the wonderful grasses, herbs, flowers, bugs and the amazing variety of life in healthy pastures gets passed along the food chain up to us in the form of healthier food.
QUESTIONS:
Does this mean the animals get only good food or supplemented with "bad stuff" as well ?
Does this mean the animals are taken care of and protected against acts of nature ?
Does this mean the animals are well taken care of as well ?
Do they sleep well, eat well, breed well, feed their babies well and live well all together ?
Free Range
“Free Range” is “outdoor access” or “access to the outdoors.” In some cases, this can mean access only through a “pop hole,” with no full-body access to the outdoors and no minimum space requirement.
For broilers to qualify as free range, the Broiler Production Code of Practice specifies that no more than fifteen birds may be kept per square meter in the poultry shed or housing.The codes specify the same external environmental conditions for free range broiler and layer production: The stocking rate of birds outside the house or shed, should not exceed five birds per square meter. Livestock theft restricts the provision of more extensive ranges, according to the South African Poultry Association. The area outside where the birds are kept, should be maintained to allow a minimum of 50% living vegetation at all times.
Many farmers do give their chickens ample access to grassy, outdoor areas.
So, when buying free-range chicken, it’s important to research where the chicken is from to confirm the type and amount of outdoor access provided.
QUESTION/S:
Does this mean the animals are being fed healthy ?
Does this mean the animals are well taken care of ?
Does this mean they walk on green pastures or gravel or concrete ... indoors or outdoors ?
For how long does the animal have access to "Freedom" ? This doesn't mean pasture raised, does it ?
Does this mean "free range" eggs are healthy if there are questions about the animal's wellbeing ?
For broilers to qualify as free range, the Broiler Production Code of Practice specifies that no more than fifteen birds may be kept per square meter in the poultry shed or housing.The codes specify the same external environmental conditions for free range broiler and layer production: The stocking rate of birds outside the house or shed, should not exceed five birds per square meter. Livestock theft restricts the provision of more extensive ranges, according to the South African Poultry Association. The area outside where the birds are kept, should be maintained to allow a minimum of 50% living vegetation at all times.
Many farmers do give their chickens ample access to grassy, outdoor areas.
So, when buying free-range chicken, it’s important to research where the chicken is from to confirm the type and amount of outdoor access provided.
QUESTION/S:
Does this mean the animals are being fed healthy ?
Does this mean the animals are well taken care of ?
Does this mean they walk on green pastures or gravel or concrete ... indoors or outdoors ?
For how long does the animal have access to "Freedom" ? This doesn't mean pasture raised, does it ?
Does this mean "free range" eggs are healthy if there are questions about the animal's wellbeing ?
Organic vs Non-GMO vs GMO
Organic food is food that has been farmed and manufactured per the guidelines put forth by the Department of Agriculture. Organic food is typically pesticide-free, GMO-free, and sustainably farmed.
Non-GMO food, or non-genetically modified food, has not been altered or engineered in any way. Non-GMO food doesn’t necessarily adhere to the same guidelines that organic food does.
GMO food has been genetically modified in some form, usually in a laboratory. A GMO (or, genetically modified organism) is an animal, plant, or other type of organism whose genetic makeup has been altered in some way.
Non-GMO and organic food can help keep a consumer’s allergies at bay. The fact is, with organic and non-GMO foods, your chances for developing certain allergies significantly decrease.
A consumer’s immune systems will thank them. Eating organic, non-GMO foods is a great way to inject certain nutrients back into your body that work to strengthen your immune system.
Eating non-GMO and organic foods improves a consumer’s fitness and overall health. Food items that have been genetically modified contain fewer nutrients, antioxidants, and other important substances that contribute to our overall health and fitness.
(Source: http://www.nexcelfoods.com/gmo-vs-non-gmo-vs-organic/)
QUESTION/S:
We need to ask ourselves "Why GMO ?, What are the reasons behind this ?".
Is it healthy or not, and for who or what and why ? The answer is no short one.
Non-GMO food, or non-genetically modified food, has not been altered or engineered in any way. Non-GMO food doesn’t necessarily adhere to the same guidelines that organic food does.
GMO food has been genetically modified in some form, usually in a laboratory. A GMO (or, genetically modified organism) is an animal, plant, or other type of organism whose genetic makeup has been altered in some way.
Non-GMO and organic food can help keep a consumer’s allergies at bay. The fact is, with organic and non-GMO foods, your chances for developing certain allergies significantly decrease.
A consumer’s immune systems will thank them. Eating organic, non-GMO foods is a great way to inject certain nutrients back into your body that work to strengthen your immune system.
Eating non-GMO and organic foods improves a consumer’s fitness and overall health. Food items that have been genetically modified contain fewer nutrients, antioxidants, and other important substances that contribute to our overall health and fitness.
(Source: http://www.nexcelfoods.com/gmo-vs-non-gmo-vs-organic/)
QUESTION/S:
We need to ask ourselves "Why GMO ?, What are the reasons behind this ?".
Is it healthy or not, and for who or what and why ? The answer is no short one.
Why GMO ?
Many people wonder what impacts GMO crops have on our world. “GMO” (genetically modified organism) is the common term consumers and popular media use to describe a plant, animal, or microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using technology that generally involves the specific modification of DNA, including the transfer of specific DNA from one organism to another. Scientists often refer to this process as genetic engineering.
Since the first genetically engineered crops, or GMOs, for sale to consumers were planted in the 1990s, researchers have tracked their impacts on and off the farm.
Why do farmers use GMO crops?
Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop loss. The three most common traits found in GMO crops are: * Resistance to insect damage, * Tolerance to herbicides, * Resistance to plant viruses
For GMO crops that are resistant to insect damage, farmers can apply fewer spray pesticides to protect the crops. GMO crops that are tolerant to herbicides help farmers control weeds without damaging the crops. When farmers use these herbicide-tolerant crops they do not need to till the soil, which they normally do to get rid of weeds. This no-till planting helps to maintain soil health and lower fuel and labor use.
Taken together, studies have shown positive economic and environmental impacts.
Why Do Farmers in the U.S. Grow GMO Crops?
Do GMOs have impacts beyond the farm?
The most common GMO crops were developed to address the needs of farmers, but in turn they can help foods become more accessible and affordable for consumers.
Some GMO crops were developed specifically to benefit consumers. For example, a GMO soybean that is used to create a healthier oil is commercially grown and available. GMO apples that do not brown when cut are now available for sale and may help reduce food waste. Plant scientists continue to develop GMO crops that they hope will benefit consumers.
Do GMOs have impacts outside the United States?
GMOs also impact the lives of farmers in other parts of the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working with partner countries to use genetic engineering to improve staple crops, the basic foods that make up a large portion of people’s diets.
USAID is also working with partner countries in Africa and elsewhere on several staple crops, such as virus-resistant cassava, insect-resistant cowpea, and blight-resistant potato.
(Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world)
QUESTION/S:
Does this mean it is healthy ?
Is it beneficial to the consumer in terms of Health ?
Since the first genetically engineered crops, or GMOs, for sale to consumers were planted in the 1990s, researchers have tracked their impacts on and off the farm.
Why do farmers use GMO crops?
Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop loss. The three most common traits found in GMO crops are: * Resistance to insect damage, * Tolerance to herbicides, * Resistance to plant viruses
For GMO crops that are resistant to insect damage, farmers can apply fewer spray pesticides to protect the crops. GMO crops that are tolerant to herbicides help farmers control weeds without damaging the crops. When farmers use these herbicide-tolerant crops they do not need to till the soil, which they normally do to get rid of weeds. This no-till planting helps to maintain soil health and lower fuel and labor use.
Taken together, studies have shown positive economic and environmental impacts.
Why Do Farmers in the U.S. Grow GMO Crops?
Do GMOs have impacts beyond the farm?
The most common GMO crops were developed to address the needs of farmers, but in turn they can help foods become more accessible and affordable for consumers.
Some GMO crops were developed specifically to benefit consumers. For example, a GMO soybean that is used to create a healthier oil is commercially grown and available. GMO apples that do not brown when cut are now available for sale and may help reduce food waste. Plant scientists continue to develop GMO crops that they hope will benefit consumers.
Do GMOs have impacts outside the United States?
GMOs also impact the lives of farmers in other parts of the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working with partner countries to use genetic engineering to improve staple crops, the basic foods that make up a large portion of people’s diets.
USAID is also working with partner countries in Africa and elsewhere on several staple crops, such as virus-resistant cassava, insect-resistant cowpea, and blight-resistant potato.
(Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world)
QUESTION/S:
Does this mean it is healthy ?
Is it beneficial to the consumer in terms of Health ?
Health & The Wellbeing Chain
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The Seven Dimensions of Wellbeing:
* Physical Wellbeing - Move More. Eat Better.
* Intellectual Wellbeing - Boost your Brain.
* Environmental Wellbeing - Love the Earth.
* Vocational Wellbeing - Live with Purpose.
* Social Wellbeing - Connect with Others.
* Emotional Wellbeing - Practice Gratitude.
* Spiritual Wellbeing - Nourish your Soul.
QUESTION?S:
Does this mean the one area of health is linked to the other ?
If a person drastically improves the one area of health there will be a drastic improvement of the other ?
We certainly believe it could be, depends on how equally important a person treats all of these health areas.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellbeing:
* Physical Wellbeing - Move More. Eat Better.
* Intellectual Wellbeing - Boost your Brain.
* Environmental Wellbeing - Love the Earth.
* Vocational Wellbeing - Live with Purpose.
* Social Wellbeing - Connect with Others.
* Emotional Wellbeing - Practice Gratitude.
* Spiritual Wellbeing - Nourish your Soul.
QUESTION?S:
Does this mean the one area of health is linked to the other ?
If a person drastically improves the one area of health there will be a drastic improvement of the other ?
We certainly believe it could be, depends on how equally important a person treats all of these health areas.
Organic vs Natural vs Health Foods
Organic foods are grown without artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides. Organic meat, eggs, and dairy products are obtained from animals that are fed natural feed and not given hormones or antibiotics.
Natural foods are free of synthetic or artificial ingredients or additives.
“Health foods” is a general term that may be applied to natural or organic foods, or to regular foods that have undergone less processing than usual, such as stone-ground whole-grain flours.
QUESTION/S:
Which one is the best for man, animal and the environment - Health, Sustainability, developments, our generation and generations to follow ?
Which one today impacts the world of tomorrow ?
Natural foods are free of synthetic or artificial ingredients or additives.
“Health foods” is a general term that may be applied to natural or organic foods, or to regular foods that have undergone less processing than usual, such as stone-ground whole-grain flours.
QUESTION/S:
Which one is the best for man, animal and the environment - Health, Sustainability, developments, our generation and generations to follow ?
Which one today impacts the world of tomorrow ?
What is Greenwashing ?
Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company's products are environmentally friendly.
How can you tell if something is Greenwashed?
If a company can support their eco-friendly claim with hard data, they have every reason to make it available to consumers. So if that information isn't provided, you've probably spotted a case of greenwashing. Hidden trade-offs and unsubstantiated claims are not the only forms of greenwashing.
QUESTIONS:
Does this mean everything we buy is a lie ? No.
Consumers need to look out and be wary of this. Not all companies are involved in greenwashing. Some products are genuinely green. These products usually come in packaging that spells out the real differences in their contents from competitors' versions.
Do Your Research !
* Bypass The Packaging and Read the Label
* Look for proof that your products are healthy
* It’s up to us as consumers to do the research and learn the values of the companies we support.
* Ask questions about the food you consume and don’t be duped by greenwashing.
How can you tell if something is Greenwashed?
If a company can support their eco-friendly claim with hard data, they have every reason to make it available to consumers. So if that information isn't provided, you've probably spotted a case of greenwashing. Hidden trade-offs and unsubstantiated claims are not the only forms of greenwashing.
QUESTIONS:
Does this mean everything we buy is a lie ? No.
Consumers need to look out and be wary of this. Not all companies are involved in greenwashing. Some products are genuinely green. These products usually come in packaging that spells out the real differences in their contents from competitors' versions.
Do Your Research !
* Bypass The Packaging and Read the Label
* Look for proof that your products are healthy
* It’s up to us as consumers to do the research and learn the values of the companies we support.
* Ask questions about the food you consume and don’t be duped by greenwashing.