. . . best options for your healthy food diet
The ethics and end-result nutritional levels of farming and slaughter methods on large-scale farms are questionable at the very least. As we raise our own personal expectations, we can voice our concern through advocacy, and perhaps even more effectively by how we decide to spend our money.
While Canada does not endorse growth hormones for milk-producing cattle, America does. Canadians may not be buying American sourced meat, but American animal by-products (whey powders, protein drinks and cheese) are available in Canadian stores. Their ingredient list does not indicate use of genetic modification nor growth hormones. Those would be the same hormones that cause tumors in the cow’s udder where the milk is produced. Many people also don’t realize that the Canadian government has endorsed six growth hormones for cattle that are raised for meat, with use of both natural and synthetic hormones for cost-effective shorter growth periods and meatier results.
The majority think that buying organic meat is too expensive for a family. It can be costly, but affordable healthy meat options are available outside of conventional food stores. Eating meat less frequently permits many to buy organic meat, using legumes as a protein source on days that meat is not part of a meal plan. Healthy meat options can be found at some small-scale farms that do not use genetic engineering, growth hormones and GE-based fodder. Grass fed beef can still be found on these farms. One way to access them is by visiting Farmer’s Markets or purchasing at Halal and Kosher stores. This means you will be eating meat sourced from animals that are raised with traditional integrity and slaughter methods. Halal and Kosher meats are from animals that are blessed for the sacrifice of their life for another.
With over-crowded livestock conditions that encourage disease in large-scale farms, regular antibiotic use is required and now attributed with increasing the problem of antibiotic-resistant disease in humans. We can’t be surprised that this meat source which comes with additional growth hormones has also been credited with accumulating as a xenoestrogen in our bodies, causing adverse effects until cleared from our system. Xenoestrogens, or ‘false estrogens’, are proven to be hormone disruptors – linked to reproductive problems, increased incidence of cysts and tumors, and hormone imbalances in the North American population. The link to breast cancer from xenoestrogens which include synthetic hormones as well as organochlorines in pesticides, is information to be aware of for avoidance. Xenoestrogens have also been publicized as leaching out of polycarbonate plastics, often used in food and cosmetic packaging.
In the past I queried why someone of my vintage would choose the extra cost of buying organic. After my own debilitating experience with an immunodeficiency disease and metal toxicity, I grew to understand the physical dysfunction that results from ingesting food known to be GMO sourced and packaged food with artificial chemicals. My family usually ate meals ‘made from scratch’, but did occasionally indulge in those handy packages. Like many, I also had a lower awareness of how widespread genetic modification was. I have since grown to believe and understand why no one escapes metal toxicity in our current world, and the value of pure, clean and nutrient-rich food and period detoxification to reduce body burden.
Awareness of these issues allows you to limit intake of unhealthy food. As always, it’s about moderation and finding the best solution for you and your family.
The following links connect with the Canadian advocacy against GMO expansion into our food sources, complete with farmer’s testimonial videos and a petition against GMO acceptance. They provide a most informative read. If you’re not wondering about GMO food, you are either already an advocate or need more information.
www.cban.ca
http://www.cban.ca/Resources/Topics/Regulation-and-Policy
