Healthy Body

When cows or other livestock feed on grass, they first regurgitate the grass from their first stomach or rumen. Since they have four rumens, they can break down the food and digest it by converting it into fat and protein. Why grass fed meat is better for you is the topic of this article.

Years ago, grass was the only source of food for most livestock. Today, however, grain, corn, and other protein supplements are utilized. The problem is that because the livestock is not used to this type of food, antibiotics have to be given to the livestock so that the foods they are given do not cause problems to their digestive system.

The problem with feeding corn to cows is that it is an acidic agent which can cause bloat, which is when the animal’s rumen produces high amounts of gas and the rumination process suddenly halts. The rumen becomes larger and intervention becomes necessary to relieve the animal of the gas build-up. Unless this is done quickly, the pressure can literally suffocate the cow.

Thus, because cows and other livestock are given antibiotics to prevent ulcers, liver disease, and other conditions as a result of the acidity, the meat can be infected with bacteria such as E. coli. Recent events illustrate how the E. coli bacteria played a major role in causing individuals to become seriously ill and, in some cases, even death.

Another reason why grass fed meat is better for you is because it is low in saturated fat. Studies have shown that livestock who are fed with grain have a higher amount of fat than those who are grass fed. When you buy a steak, for example, do you notice the marble of fat? Well, that is a direct result of grain fed cattle.

In addition, grass fed meat contains a higher amount of omega-3 fat, which is beneficial to our health. This is the same omega-3 fat that is found in fish and cod liver oil. Here is another point: When livestock are fed grain, the omega-3 fat is slowly absorbed into their tissue and much of it is lost. In addition, meat from grain fed livestock has less Vitamin E than meat from those that are grass fed. Cattle that are grass fed have four times more Vitamin E than their counterparts.

Finally, it seems appropriate to add that grass fed livestock help the environment. When grain is used, there is a build-up of waste which is attributed to pollution. However, with grass fed livestock the waste is absorbed by the farmland and becomes a source of nutrients that are recycled over and over again.

Grass fed meat is a viable alternative in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although grass fed meat is more expensive, it is worth the price knowing that we are contributing not only to the health and welfare of livestock, but to the environment as well.

Herb gardening has become a popular way to obtain herbs. Fresh herbs are better for cooking, and it is less expensive to grow your own herbs than it is to go out and buy them. But having a great herb garden means allowing herbs to grow in an environment similar to that in which they would be found naturally.

Soil for Your Herb Garden

The soil for your herb garden needs to include a large portion of organic matter in order for your plants to thrive. Sand, silt and clay should make up the remainder of the soil content. It is also of utmost importance that the soil has a pH conducive to herbal growth.

The ideal pH for an herb garden’s soil is 6.5, which is slightly acidic. You can find a garden pH testing kit online or in the gardening departments of many hardware stores. A good testing kit is well worth the money paid for it, because it will give more accurate results than an inexpensive one.

It is also important to make sure that your soil’s composition is good. If it has too much sand in it, your herbs won’t get the nutrients they need. Too much clay will keep the soil from draining properly and may inhibit root growth.

Electronic testers are available that will test pH, fertility, and many other things that will affect your herb garden’s success. If you are serious about herb gardening, one of these may be well worth the investment.

How to Plant Herbs

Starting out your plants indoors is one of the best ways to ensure your herb garden’s success. Doing this on your own will ensure that the plants are not exposed to chemicals like starter plants purchased from a nursery might have been. The best time to start plants indoors is about a month before the first day of spring. Some herbs do not transplant well, however, so be sure to study up on the particular herbs you want to grow before you plant.

In most cases, the larger the seed, the deeper it needs to be planted. Herbs should be planted about six inches apart. If the plant is large when fully grown or tends to spread, more space may be necessary.

Harvesting and Drying Herbs

There are no set dates to harvest most herbs. The plants are ready for harvest when the flower buds appear, but before they are completely open. The time of day is a very important consideration when harvesting. The best time to harvest is early morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too hot.

The best way to dry herbs, especially those used for cooking, is by air drying them. They should first be washed in cold running water and drained thoroughly. Short-stemmed herbs can be dried in a tray in a dark, warm place. Those with longer stems or branches should be bundled at the ends, placed in a paper bag with the stems sticking out, and hung up. The larger herbs can take 2 to 4 weeks to dry.

Herbs can also be dried with heat or in silica sand. Cooking herbs should not be dried using the silica sand method, and may lose some of their flavor and oils if dried using heat.

Herb gardening comes with a bit of a learning curve, but it’s not much more complicated than flower gardening. And when the time comes to harvest your herbs, all of the work it took to get them to that point will be well worth it.

Herb gardening has become a popular pastime. Herbs not only add beauty to the landscape, they are also useful. Herbs can be used in cooking, medicine, and more. Beginning herb gardeners often have a hard time deciding which herbs to plant in their gardens. It would be impossible to plant them all in one garden. So here are five of the best:

1. Calendula is a member of the marigold family. Also known as pot marigold, calendula is smaller and more fragile than the marigolds we plant in our flower gardens. Calendula has numerous uses for both health and beauty. It fights fungal infections, assists in digestion, and can cure diaper rash. It can also be used to make skin cream, and a strong infusion can be used to lighten hair.

2. Basil can survive in a little or a lot of sun and is easy to care for. Its flowers are beautiful, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. Although it is known for its use in Italian food, it also goes well with many meats and vegetables.

3. Lavender: Lavender’s beautiful purple flowers and sweet fragrance are a favorite of gardeners everywhere. And lavender is also one of the most useful herbs around. Culinary uses of lavender include making syrup for jellies and flavoring fruit salad, milk and cream. Lavender is famed for its aromatherapy qualities. It can also be infused and applied to soothe insect bites, or its oil can be used on the temples for headaches. Some enjoy lavender tea before bedtime, claiming that it helps them sleep better.

4. Garlic: while garlic is not known for its pleasant scent, the plant has been used for medicinal and cooking purposes for many years. Garlic is a powerful antibacterial agent, and it can help prevent colds and the flu. It also reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and is thought to offer some protection against cancer.

5. Goldenrod Goldenrod makes a beautiful border plant for your herb garden, and it also has a number of medicinal uses. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal. Goldenrod can be used reduce phlegm when suffering from respiratory infections, to get rid of varicose veins, and to ease the pain of colic.

There are many more useful herbs that one could plant in an herb garden. The herbs you should plant depend on whether you want herbs that are for cooking, fragrance, or medicinal purposes. Some herbalists plant a specific type of herb garden, while others grow a combination of all three. No matter why you are growing herbs, it is important to consider the amount of sun your garden gets and what type of soil it has. Herbs can be a wonderful addition to your landscape, but each one has its own specific needs.