Is it the sniffles? Is it a cold? Or is it Covid? Well, whatever it is, it’s time for chicken soup!
With school starting, you want your kids to have strong immune systems and be able to nip this year’s cold and flu season in the bud.
If you’re like me, you probably grew up hearing that chicken soup was good for you. It seems like every mom prescribed it when a kid had a cold.
But not all chicken is equal!
Did you know pasture-raised, soy-free chicken will give you more bang for your buck when it comes to nutritious broth that will protect joints, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and heal your gut?
Why is this?
Because, chickens on pasture are healthier and more nutrient dense than confinement raised chicken.
Pasture raised chickens have access to fresh air, forage, and sunlight every day. They enjoy a buffet of forage, seeds, and insects; are moved daily and stay cleaner. This means they are less prone to diseases and do not need antibiotics.
As a result pastured poultry supports the immune system with higher levels of fat soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, and Omega 3s.
Vitamin A
Pasture raised chicken contains 50 percent more vitamin A compared to conventionally raised chicken.
We need vitamin A for good vision, healthy skin, formation of bones and teeth. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant protecting cells against cancer. It also guards against heart attacks and strokes and lowers cholesterol.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D levels have been shown to be higher in pastured chickens. Like vitamin A, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus which is essential for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. It seems to protect against cancer and multiple sclerosis. It also helps your body fight viruses. (such as covid!)
Vitamin E
Pasture raised chicken is also higher in vitamin E. As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. It also helps the body utilize vitamin A.
Omega-3
Studies show that pasture raised chicken have significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than chickens raised without access to fresh forage.
Lower Inflammation
We raise our poultry without corn or soy because they create a higher omega 6:3 ratio which causes inflammation and leads to a number of long-term health risks.
Soy-Free
Soy is a standard ingredient in animal feed because it is a cheap source of protein. However, there are a number of reasons to avoid soy. Here are a just a few:
Soy is a common food allergen and some people seem to be sensitive to animal products that were fed soy.
Over 90% of soy is GMO which has its own issues. But that’s for a different discussion.
Soy disrupts the endocrine systems of men and women, affecting fertility, and interferes with children’s sexual development.
Pasture raised chicken is an excellent immune booster and a tasty, nutritious addition to your family’s meal plan!
Hop over to our Farm Store page and order your pasture raised, soy-free chicken today!
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!