The war on red meat and grass-fed meat is raging. The uproar against livestock on pastures has reached the foaming-at-the-mouth stage of psychobabble. Also, the outrage is being voiced by many more folks than just the vegan crowd. It seems like it's every medical professional, every nutrition blog/show/column, and every media outlet including even some livestock publications! The anti-red meat line is that businesses like Slanker Grass-Fed Meat are destroying individual health and the planet's environment. Amazingly, the exact opposite is the truth. For sure science has been damned. But we are doing our best to counter the many myths and we need your help.
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report that referenced over 800 cancer studies indicated cured meats are carcinogenic and then concluded red meat is probably harmful too. It caused quite a stir and, unfortunately for the meat industry, it’s bad science and speculation.
Cancer is gene mutations that occur after birth and aren’t inherited. Science agrees that a number of forces can cause gene mutations such as smoking, radiation, viruses, cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens), obesity, hormones, chronic inflammation, and a lack of exercise. In WHO’s study, only chemicals (carcinogens) and chronic inflammation can be meat related cancer causes.
Nutrition and biology scientists recognize certain facts. When one’s essential fatty acid (EFA) ratio of Omega-6 (n6) to Omega-3 (n3) fatty acids exceeds 2:1 cancers bloom. Sugar and high glycemic foods accelerate cancerous growths. Burned meat is carcinogenic. High n6 levels and mycotoxins from fungi are inflammatory.
Below is my response to an article published in The Washington Post titled: Is grass-fed beef really better for you, the animal and the planet? You will need to read the article to properly understand my response.
The Popular Anti-Science War on Grass-Fed Meat Continues
I was under the influence of a nerdy-cute camp counselor in high school when I decided to give up meat for Lent. By going vegan, one person can save more than 100 animal lives a year, help conserve vital natural resources and drastically reduce his or her participation in a system that exploits immigrant and impoverished families.