Grass-fed and wild game meats among healthy protein options

Red meat good for the heart? Registered dietitian Ali Miller with Naturally Nourished is here to tell us about the health benefits of consuming hormone-free, antibiotic-free, grass-fed meats.

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So growth hormones? It says on the label that these have been proved safe, what is the concern here? And are there benefits to the hormone-free antibiotic free foods?

The impact of growth hormones are still controversial as their impact on humans through consumption but there has been some correllation-based studies which demonstrate disruption of human hormone balance, causing developmental problems, interfering with reproductive system, and even leading to the development of breast, prostate, or colon cancer. The European Union’s Committee reported that as of 1999, no comprehensive studies had been conducted to determine whether hormone residues in meat can be cancer-causing.

Scientists are also concerned about the environmental impacts of hormone residues in cow manure. Growth promoting hormones not only remain in the meat we consume, but they also pass through the cattle and are excreted in their manure. When manure from factory farms enters the surrounding environment, these hormones can contaminate surface and groundwater.

Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to hormone residues. Recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to hormones has a substantial effect on the gender and reproductive capacity of fish, throwing off the natural cycle.

FDP approval for rBGH came in 1993, in spite of strong opposition from scientists, farmers, and consumers. According to detractors, rBGH was never properly tested. The FDA relied solely on a study done by Monsanto the producer of the compound, in which rBGH was tested for 90 days on 30 rats.

Mastitis, inflammation of the udders, has increased in the dairy industry as well as malnourishment and illness which has led to the profilactic administration of antibiotics.

Negative Impacts of Growth Hormones in Livestock

- May interfere with human hormone reproductive health, increase risk for hormone-related cancers

- Livestock manure byproducts contaminate surface and groundwater; affecting aquatic (fish) ecosystems

- Increases need for antibiotics which increases antibiotic resistance

What is antibiotic resistance?

When antibiotics are administered ongoing in large quantities the bacteria that they are intended to defend against learns how to outsmart the antibiotic. These super-bugs can be life threatening to humans. This is largely concerning as greater than 70% of the antibiotics in this country are being administered to livestock which has led to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Of the antibiotics being administered to animals, 74% is profilactically administered in their feed, this is looking like 1/4 pound of antibiotics/day!

*Wow, that is concerning, that sounds like a lot! So what are the best

options for buying meats?*

Selecting local grass-fed dairy and meat are your best options as they will be free of toxins, excessive antibiotics, and will have nutritional benefits. I will be posting resources on HoustonTexasFood.com to local providers and the greatest vote you can make is with your dollar.  Shop at the Urban Harvest farmers’ markets, participate in food cooporatives, and visit farms. Re-connect your food system. With no farms there is no food!

And these options are more nutritious?

Yes, grass-fed meats have 1/3 less fat than grain-fed counterparts and of the fat they have more CLA’s, omega-3 fatty acids which boost metabolism, increase lean body mass, and can improve insulin function. Also, the grass-fed products have more vitamin E, B vitamins (including carotenoids), and minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutritional benefits sing true among pasture-raised chickens, eggs, cheese, beef, and is consistent in wild game as well as wild fish.

And these benefits are all from the diet of the animal?

Yes, grass serves as a nutrient-dense leafy green and beyond the benefits there are also negative aspects of the grain-fed diet. Ruminants are made to eat grass, their stomachs function as fermentation chambers breaking down greens into protein. Grass is basic while corn is acidic. The stomach of the cow gets very gassy and the bloat can actually suffocate the cow, cause liver failure, or even death this leads to additional needs for antibiotics. Much of this is due to the fact that e. coli bacteria only thrive in an acidic environment as you can see the risks for contamination are significantly less in a grass-fed cow.

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