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You must be going to the grocery shop every weekend? But have you ever looked at the labels on the food products you are buying? Or even if you noticed some, do you even know what these labels mean?
If you don't, it's not your fault. Food labeling has become complex and complex every other day making it hard to understand. From free-range to grass-fed and pasture-raised, there are tons of labels which you can find on food products.
But don't worry, we will tell you all you need to know about those labels; which ones are regulated by the government, and which ones are just marketing fluff.
Yes, there are certain labels and marketing claims which are actually regulated by the government like fresh, organic, non-GMO, pasture-raised, and cage-free. While there are some front labels which are only there to lure you into purchasing that product like natural, homemade, healthy, or wholesome.
In this lesson, we are going to tell all about those labels, so next time when you see a product at the supermarket with a big label on it, you know what that label means, and if it is worth buying for your health or not?
Organic
A food produced using cultural, and biological practices which support ecological balance and cycling of on-farm resources without the use of most pesticides and instead use natural and some synthetic pesticides. Organic poultry indicates that the eggs and meat are raised without any antibiotics or growth hormones.
All-natural or natural
Fresh
Non-GMO
Cage Free
Free Range
Pasture-raised
Farmed
Wild Caught
Grass-fed
No added hormones
Non Toxic
Nutritious, wholesome or healthful
Here's what the latest science says:
Plenty of labels out there, but what is good for you to choose? Well, among all those, pasture-raised, grass-fed and free-range products may provide some extra health benefits than others but they also may require some more money to buy. Let's take a look at what science says about these labels.
Pasture-raised Is a Better Option: According to researchers at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, the eggs obtained from the pastured hen are healthier as they contain more omega-3 fats and a higher level of vitamins including A, and E. Not only this, but Another study published in nutrition also stated that pasture-raised chickens laid eggs with higher levels of vitamin D.
Go for grass-fed when you can: According to a study review meat that comes from grass-fed cows is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in total fats.
Look out for free-range: Free-range poultry are better as these animals have more exposure to sunlight and are more active. Which results in healthier meat and eggs for consumers. According to a study, free-range chickens are more active and productive as compared to those who don't venture out.
Now that you know all about labels; what are the facts and what are scams, you can use your critical thinking skills next time when you are in the supermarket looking for a natural and healthy product for yourself.
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