by Donyale Anise

Created on: November 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2011

Although I chose a vegetarian diet in my late teens, I am not one of those annoying vegetarians who seize the moment to proselytize whenever an opportunity avails itself. We have dominion over animals and there is nothing inherently wrong with eating meat. However, there are a litany of reasons why choosing a free-range or organic turkey for Thanksgiving is advantageous.

For those who may not be privy to the inner workings of the meat industry, there are two documentaries, which explore this area in great detail.  One is titled “Super-Size Me” released in 2004 and the other “Fast Food Nation” released in 2006.  The details shared in both documentaries are enlightening, and also utterly disturbing.  Prior to arriving at your local grocer, then to the dinner table, droves of turkeys are subjected to copious atrocities.  Many are packed into small areas like sardines without adequate space to move even a few inches, and injected with a host of different hormones.  As a result of these dire conditions, many of them develop a variety of diseases.

Moreover, these creatures are fully aware of their impending slaughter and await it in terror.  The fear they experience causes harmful toxins to be emanated into their little bodies.  This coupled with hormone injections and disease does not make for ideal circumstances.  The thought of eating anything raised in these conditions is quite disconcerting.  Whether these toxins are completely removed as a result of the heat used while cooking; is at the heart of many debates.  There are those who believe these toxins are not completely cooked out, and attribute them to a litany of diseases and fatal illnesses on the rise in our culture.  On the opposite side of this argument are those who are adamant these toxins cannot thrive in such high heat, and feel there is no link whatsoever to diseases or illnesses.

The verdict is still out on both sides of the argument, and in light of this, there is no denying it would be wise to be discerning when shopping for the holiday turkey.  Erring on the side of caution where our health is concerned certainly has its benefits.  Choosing a free range or organic turkey offers great peace of mind, as there are many conscientious turkey growers responsible and caring when it comes to their flock.  This means they are raised in open spaces where they are fed healthy diets and given plenty of water.  In many cases they are housed in a barn where they are protected from the elements and kept warm. 

The cost of a free-range or organic turkey may be somewhat more than a conventional turkey, however, the health benefits alone warrant the difference in price.  Eating more responsibly and encouraging those you love to do the same is invaluable.  As the holiday season rapidly approaches, consider a healthy alternative to a conventional turkey.  Weigh the pros and cons, do a bit of your own research, but most of all have a happy, festive Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

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