A Growing Problem with Hormones

Just as vegetarians face the health dilemma of consuming too much soy, meat eaters are challenged by a variety of problems with meat and poultry.

All beef, mutton, pork, and poultry sold in supermarkets are filled with antibiotics – unless stated on the packaging. And, unless stated, all beef and lamb also are chock full of growth hormones, both natural and artificial.

The presence of antibiotics in meat has led to an increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the growth hormones found in beef and sheep create a completely different host of problems. It’s estimated that two-thirds of all cows raised for slaughter have been given hormones to help them grow faster.

While three of the hormones are natural – oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone – three are synthetic: zeranol, trenbolone, and melengestrol. Zeranol is known to disrupt reproductive patterns. Trenbolone is a synthetic androgen, much like testosterone. And melengestrol is 30 times as active as progesterone. ¹ The huge problem is that ingesting these added hormones disrupts a human’s delicate hormone balance and affects growth, reproduction, and sexual behavior.

Children particularly are at risk because of their developing bodies. Puberty can be accelerated, depending on the amount and length of exposure to the hormones. In the U.S., it’s not uncommon for girls eight years old or younger – second graders or younger! – to experience breast development and menstrual cycles. ²

Europe has much stricter guidelines.  In fact, the hormones are banned in all European meat, and imported American and Canadian beef is banned. ³

Europe’s healthy guidelines don’t help American parents, though. One of the best ways to limit added hormones is to read labels. Purchase meat that has had “no hormones administered.” Also check for labels that say, “no antibiotics added.”

In a typical supermarket, the safe meats are at least twice the price as the unhealthy ones. For a more frugal option, consider investing in a chest freezer and buy meat directly from reputable farmers. Some farmers do choose to raise grass-fed livestock without hormones or antibiotics; if you’re unsure where to find them, try a quick search on Craig’s List or Google. I have discovered several farmers in my region who sell their healthy, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef for less than $2.50 a pound.

Sources

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Hilary Kimes Bernstein

Hilary Kimes Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and journalist. She writes about making healthy decisions that honor God and happen to help the environment at Accidentally Green. Short and sweet - like her writing - Hilary is the author of several healthy living eBooks.

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