The Beef Industry: Who knew how much they cared?
I got an email today from the National Cattleman's Beef Association (who gave them my email address??), who were writing to remind me that "the beef association has had a long-standing commitment to scientific research" and inviting me to share with you some important resources on "beef nutrition" and "the role of lean beef in a healthy diet." Consider the resources shared: For more, you can visit www.beefnutrition.org.
The email appears to have been triggered by the new report soon to be released by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research on "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer." Although I haven't had an opportunity to review the report yet, I'm guessing that this email from the cattlemen is an attempt at damage control. I'll bet beef didn't come off too well in the report (as in, those who eat less beef or red meat have lower rates of cancer).
Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I have nothing against beef. In fact, I've made the argument that, in certain respects, lean beef is more healthful than chicken. And the grass-fed beef growers and their fans are going to be quick to point out that researchers lump all beef in the same category, where as grass-fed beef has many nutritional advantages.
At the Beef Nutrition Center (I'm trying to keep a straight face here), you'll find some information that adds some valuable nuance to the sort of broad-stroke epidemiology we're likely to see in the new report. You'll also find a fair amount of spin. (Beef is SO good for you, especially when you eat it with lots of fruits and vegetables!). Suffice it to say that if you're looking for a way to defend your enjoyment of beef, you're likely to find it here!
My bottom line: I think that, for those who eat meat, a moderate amount of some types of beef is perfectly fine. And I feel even better about it now that I know how much the cattlemen care about our health! (Think they'll be sending valentines to the press corp as well, arguing that beef is heart healthy?)
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Posted by: Nick Colglazier | Apr 1, 2008 6:48:40 PM
Sam, being involved in ag, I know that every producer cares very much about the products they produce and the animals they raise. As agriculturalist, we take the natural resources of the land, water and sun and turn them into a nutritious protein rich (which I might add tastes great) food. We as the owners of the animals know that we have the obligation to treat the animals as humanely as possible from birth to death and we will not tolerate abuses of any kind. Also remember, everything dies and I believe that death with a purpose gives full meaning to life.
On a nutrition note, beef is very healthy and a great source of many essential nutrients. It provides many essential amino acids found in very few other foods. It also stands as a great source of iron and protein in a diet as well as providing monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy ones. It even gives you a dose of the omega fatty acids. Now I am not saying eat beef for three meals a day but adding it to a proper diet in moderation, beef will provide for many of the essential nutrients that your body needs.
Thanks for the post Monica!
Posted by: jan | Nov 3, 2007 2:35:09 PM
I get very confused. Back in the good ole days before cancer was in epidemic proportions our ancestors fed heavily on beef. The fat was good too. They say, that's where the flavour is. Ironically I have eaten the least amount of beef and fat in my family and am the only one who ended up with breast cancer. Or any cancer for that matter.
I don't particularly care for beef that much. I like fish better. The cancer??? Maybe it was the malachite green in the farmed fish from china.
Beef played a dominant part in my ancestors diet as it did in most families and somehow all those women managed to make it to their 70's and up without a known cancer.
