If you’re looking for healthier and more nutritious chicken, free range chicken is a great choice. Unlike conventionally raised chicken, which is often kept in confined spaces and fed grain-based diets, free range chickens have the freedom to roam outdoors and eat a more natural diet. This lifestyle can have a big impact on their nutritional value and overall health benefits.
At Currumbin Fair Butcher, we offer high-quality free range chicken that not only tastes better but is also packed with nutrients that benefit your health. In this post, we’ll explain why open range chicken is a healthier option and how it compares to regular chicken in terms of its nutritional advantages.
Here’s why you should choose free range chicken
Higher omega-3 fatty acids
One of the key benefits of free range chicken is its higher omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3s are essential fats that play a vital role in maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. These healthy fats are often found in foods like fish, but open range chicken can also be a great source.
The reason free range chicken has higher omega-3 levels is due to its natural diet. Free roaming chickens have access to a variety of plants, seeds, and insects, all of which contribute to a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet. In contrast, conventionally raised chickens are typically fed grain-based feed that is lower in omega-3s. This difference in diet results in free range chicken containing up to three times more omega-3 fatty acids compared to regular chicken.
For people looking to boost their omega-3 intake without eating fish, open range chicken is an excellent option. Simply incorporating more of it into your meals can help support your heart, brain, and overall well-being.
Lower fat content
Another advantage of free range chicken is its lower fat content. While all chicken is a lean source of protein, free range chicken tends to have less fat compared to conventionally raised chicken. This is because free range chickens are allowed to move around more freely and are less likely to develop the excess fat that often occurs in confined living conditions.
The extra movement of outdoor raised chickens helps them develop leaner muscle mass rather than storing fat. This not only makes the chicken healthier but also helps maintain its flavour and tenderness. Additionally, free roaming chickens typically have a more varied diet, which means they get more nutrients that promote healthy muscle growth and overall leaner meat.
If you’re looking to lower your fat intake while still enjoying delicious chicken, open range chicken is a smart choice. It offers the same satisfying taste but with less fat, making it a healthier addition to your meals.
More protein, less calories
Free roaming chicken is also a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining strong muscles. Because free range chickens are allowed to roam and forage, their muscles are more developed than those of chickens raised in confinement. As a result, free range chicken tends to have a higher protein content per serving.
Moreover, since free range chicken is leaner and contains less fat, it is generally lower in calories than conventional chicken. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to manage their weight or maintain a balanced diet. With more protein and fewer calories, outdoor raised chicken helps fuel your body in a healthy way while keeping your calorie intake in check.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Free range chicken also provides more vitamins and minerals compared to conventionally raised chicken. Chickens that are allowed to roam outdoors and eat a varied diet tend to have higher levels of important nutrients, including:
– Vitamin A: Free range chickens often have higher levels of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper cell growth.
– Vitamin E: Higher levels of vitamin E in free range chicken can help protect your body from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
– Iron: Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body and maintaining healthy red blood cells. Outdoor raised chicken provides more iron than conventionally raised chicken, helping support your overall energy and well-being.
– Zinc: Free range chicken is also a good source of zinc, which plays a critical role in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
These vitamins and minerals are important for overall health, and by choosing free range chicken, you’re getting more of these essential nutrients in every bite.
Better for the environment
In addition to the health benefits for you, free range chicken is also better for the environment. Since free range chickens are allowed to roam outdoors, they have access to a more natural habitat, which supports a healthier ecosystem. They are able to forage for their food, which reduces the need for artificial feed and lowers the environmental impact of industrial farming.
Free range farming practices also tend to use fewer chemicals and pesticides, which means fewer toxins in the environment and in your food. By choosing grass finished chicken, you’re not only supporting your own health but also making a positive impact on the planet.
Ethical farming practices
One of the most important reasons people choose free range chicken is because of the ethical farming practices behind it. Free range chickens are raised in more humane conditions, with plenty of space to roam, access to fresh air, and a natural diet. This is a stark contrast to the cramped and stressful living conditions of conventionally raised chickens, which are often kept in small cages with little room to move.
At Currumbin Fair Butcher, we support farmers who prioritize animal welfare and ethical practices. By choosing free range chicken, you’re supporting a more sustainable and compassionate food system that values the well-being of animals.
Taste and texture
Finally, let’s talk about taste. Free range chicken tends to have a richer, more natural flavour compared to regular chicken. The diet of free range chickens – which includes a variety of plants and insects – contributes to a more distinct and delicious taste. Additionally, outdoor raised chicken tends to have a firmer texture, which many people prefer when cooking.
If you’ve never tried free range chicken before, you’ll quickly notice the difference in flavour and texture. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or stir-frying, free range chicken will add a depth of taste that you simply can’t get from conventional chicken.
Choosing free range chicken offers numerous health benefits, from higher omega-3 fatty acids and lower fat content to a more nutrient-dense profile overall. It’s also a great option for anyone looking to eat more ethically and support sustainable farming practices. Choose outdoor raised chicken that is both delicious and healthy.
Next time you’re planning a meal, consider choosing outdoor raised chicken. Not only will you be making a healthier choice for you and your family, but you’ll also be supporting ethical and environmentally friendly farming practices. Plus, with our wide selection of free range chicken products, it’s easy to find the perfect option for your next meal. Check out our constantly changing specials.
Also, learn more about grass fed beef.