Meat and Health Article

**EmetShamash** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 5:21pm

I was emailed this link from Precision Nutrition because I am on their email list for some reason, anyway this is a good article that I thought ya'll would enjoy.

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/meat-and-health

Meat: Good For Us or Disease Waiting to Happen?

by John M Berardi, February 18th, 2009.

Meat: The Debate

As most of you know, I recently embarked upon a little “vegetarian” or, plant-based diet journey. Well, as of last week, my journey came to an end. Right now I’m in the process of wrapping up my reports, including compiling all my body comp data, pictures, etc. And I’m hoping to report back next Wednesday with my final tally and thoughts.
However, this week, I wanted to discuss something that’s come up quite a lot over the last few weeks. The question of whether eating meat is actually good for us - or whether it’s disease waiting to happen.
It seems that this subject is one of the hottest topics in today’s media climate, with omnivores and vegetarians lining up on opposite sides of the fence and lobbing information bombs back and forth at each other.
Of course, whenever someone tries to justify their own personal lifestyle, post hoc, with references, research, and citations, objectivity goes out the window. Indeed, on the anti-meat side, guys like Dr Colin Campbell (of “The China Study” fame), an outspoken vegan himself, is called into action. And on the pro-meat side, guys like Dr Loren Cordain (of “Paleo Diet” fame), an outspoken omnivore, is called in to pinch hit.

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So, who’s right? And who’s the moron?
Well, not so fast. I mean, both are very well educated. Both are well published. Both are highly accomplished. And both seem to make a lot of sense. So neither is a moron. And maybe neither is wrong. Indeed, here’s how I look at it.
It’s sometimes possible for two intelligent people to look at the same information and come up with different conclusions.
It’s also possible for two intelligent people to come up different conclusions that both happen to be correct, depending on the circumstances.
The Vegetarian Interview

A few weeks back, Chris Shugart, over at T-nation, caught wind of my little plant-based experiement and asked for an interview. You can read the interview transcript below:
Can Vegetarians Build Muscle
And after the interview, on the T-nation forums, there was a really rich discussion thread. As expected, there was some real polarity. The meat-eaters thought my experiment was ridiculous. Never would they give up their precious meat. And the vegetarians thought the experiment was great. Finally some validation.
The truth, however, is that many of them missed the point. I didn’t do this experiment to see whether vegetarian eating was better than meat eating or vice versa. I did it to see what merit could be drawn out of BOTH approaches.
Further, and perhaps more importantly, I did it to draw some attention to the very real risk vs. reward analysis that must be done when choosing a meat-heavy diet or a plant-based diet. It’s certainly possible to degrade your health in a big way with both types of eating.
So the key isn’t choosing between the two. It’s understanding the merits and drawbacks of each style of eating. And, whichever style you choose, making the absolute best nutritional decisions.
So, Is Meat Bad?

This is the main question isn’t it? Many vegans, influenced by Dr Colin Campbell, are asserting that meat is indeed bad for us. That it causes cancer. That it dramatically increases disease risk.
But are they oversimplifying the issue? Truthfully, I think so. After all, here’s a similar question:
Is fat bad?
That’s a silly one, isn’t it? In this day and age we all know that the question is too simple. What kind of fat? In what amount? Prepared in what way? These are all distinctions we’d need to know before rendering a verdict on the value of fat in our diets.
And the same goes for meat.
There’s no question that eating the right kind of meat in the right amounts definitely fits in to an overall healthy diet. And more than health, it’s a solid part of a muscle-building or muscle-preserving diet. The high protein content, high B-vitamin content, and high iron content is important. Indeed, both health and muscle building are severely compromised if any of these nutrients are missing.
However, there also seems to be good evidence that eating too much of the wrong types of meat can be problematic for some. For example, there’s no question that there’s a relationship between eating meat and cancer risk. And that’s not just speculation. Over 100 epidemiological studies have shown it.
Now, for meat eaters here’s the big question – what’s the link? Well, a large part of it may be that most typical high meat eaters also tend to eat less of the other healthy stuff. Like veggies. Like whole, unprocessed grains. Like healthy fats. So their diets tend to be high in calories, high in saturated fat, and low in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, etc. This is a pretty good recipe for disease risk for most people.

If This Is Your Lunch, You Might Be In Trouble

Now, the logical solution here isn’t to avoid meat. Rather, it’s to avoid displacing all those other healthy foods with meat. It’s to include both meat and high fiber foods, fruits, and veggies, and more.
Meat, Cancer, and Hormones

Beyond dietary displacement, as discussed above, there are two other concerns with diets high in meat. First, carcinogens. Second, hormones and antibiotics.
There’s some pretty compelling evidence nowadays that a host of potentially carcinogenic compounds are introduced into our bodies when we eat cooked meat – including: N-nitroso compounds, heterocyclic amines, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are most linked to colon cancer and stomach cancer. There are other links reported but they’re not as strong.
In the end, though, the meats that seem to be most problematic are processed meats (lunch meats, canned meats, jerkey, etc.) as well as heavily grilled meats – blackened or charred.
But, again, these risks can also be managed. So, as discussed above, the strategy isn’t to avoid meat. It’s to avoid processed meats. To be careful in overcooking grilled meat. And finally, to boost your intake of fiber and fruits and veggies. Fiber has a protective effect against GI cancers. And fruits and veggies boost antioxidant defense. This is the perfect antidote to the problems associated with processed and/or heavily grilled meats.

Don't Avoid Meat, Just Eat More of This

Finally, beyond the cancer risk, in farmed meats nowadays we tend to see a lot more hormones, environmental pollutants, and antibiotics. Not good since we probably do absorb a small amount of these chemicals. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Rather than avoiding meat, how about sticking with hormone-free, naturally raised meat. Note: grass-fed is probably the best.
Eat Meat, Wear Your Seat Belt

Now, before we move beyond this topic, it’s important to be really clear about something. Almost everything we eat or do in life has its risks. In fact, I’m much more likely to get into a car accident and die than I am to die of colon cancer. But that doesn’t mean I take either lightly. I try to understand my risks. And then buffer them.
For example, because of the car crash risks, I wear a seat belt. Likewise, because of the meat risks, I make sure that I avoid processed meats, I eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies as well as fiber rich nuts, seeds, and legumes, and I eat primarily naturally raised, hormone-free meat.
This way I get all the benefits of meat while buffering the risks. No vegetarianism required.
What About Meat Building Up In The Colon

Over the course my vegetarian experiment, many folks have asked me whether or not meat builds up in the colon. The answer, yes and no. Meals high in meat do take between 24-48h to digest and work their way through the GI tract. However, this is a pretty normal transit time. Most meals take this long to get through the GI tract. So there’s nothing all that unusual about meat in this regard.
However, 60-80lbs of undigested, impacted fecal matter building up in our body over years? Impossible. Have you heard the John Wayne story? This is what’s being used to support that absurd claim.

Don't Make Me Shoot Ya For Making Absurd Comments About My Colon, Partner.

Apparently when he died, they found 60-80lbs of undigested material causing a massive intestinal blockage. And apparently this was found during his autopsy. All according to many vegetarian and colon cleansing web sites.
Well, for starters, John Wayne never even had an autopsy. Now, he did have surgery for a cancer-related intestinal blockage about a month before his death. But that had nothing to do with impacted feces or his diet.
Of course, this doesn’t prove that no one gets a build up of undigested fecal matter. Indeed, it’s possible to get some fecal build up in the colon. Definitely not in multiple pound quantities, accumulation above a small amount would be quite painful. Also, only those in unique circumstances in which genetically susceptible people eat no fiber and take drugs that decrease digestion and GI motility.
So it’s not the meat that’s responsible for any small build ups that might occur. It’s what’s missing from the diet. And what drugs folks are taking.
The Debate Rages On

As I said above, it’s quite possible for intelligent people to see the same information and come to different conclusions. So I anticipate that there will be some disagreement even with the general recommendations I make in this article. And that’s ok with me.
I’m not here to convince anyone of anything. Nor am I here to push my way of life onto your dinner table. Rather, I’m simply here to present the information as I see it. And as I’ve experienced it as both an omnivore and a plant-based eater.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you’ll use this info. I just hope you use it wisely.
My Meat Run

Although I consider this project a big success, that doesn’t mean I’m going to continue to stick to an exclusive plant-based diet. Indeed, just yesterday I did a meat run to Lake Land Meats in St Catharines, Ontario.

Lake Land Meats - High Quality Game and Local Meats

A member of the Niagara Culinary Trail, Lake Land is my preferred provider of local, free-range, and additive free meats. I can regularly pick up Ontario-raised venison, elk, wild boar, bison, ostrich, pheasant, duck, quail, rabbit, trout and more.

Just A Few of Lake Land's Offerings

If you’re in the area, or in Ontario, check out their web site. You can either drop by to pick up some tasty meat or order some delivered to your home. Here’s what I picked up today:

Bison Burgers, Venison Pepperettes, Kangaroo, and Organic Chicken Sausage

Also, last week, my good (and sarcastic) friend, Alwyn Cosgrove, further stimulated the process by sending me a big, styrofoam package full of top quality, Omaha steaks. I must admit, after marinating with a few tablespoons of white vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning and cooking on my Foreman Grill, these were some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Omaha Steaks - Umm, Good.

From My Sarcastic Friend, Alwyn Cosgrove. Bringing Me Back From The "Dark Side," He Is. Click The Picture To Check Out His Message To Me.

But just because I’m back on the meat doesn’t mean that my plant-based experience hasn’t influenced my eating. In fact, as a result of this experiment, I have a ton of new plant-based meals and restaurants that I’ll continue to enjoy. Further, I’ve learned a whole lot about where my food comes from. And finally, I have a new found respect for the commitment that goes into exclusive plant-based eating.

**SuperGuido** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 7:46pm

Interesting.

**Zendetta** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 8:10pm

Excellent and hilarious. If you havn't already, read The Omnivore's Dilemma

**RoninPimp** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 8:13pm

I'm reading the Omnivore's Dilemma. So far it jives with what I've read on the Weston A Price website. Mmmmm, dead animals...and grass fed dairy...

**partyboy** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 9:44pm

What?? no antelope?!! heresy I say!

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 9:52pm

Also, last week, my good (and sarcastic) friend, Alwyn Cosgrove, further stimulated the process by sending me a big, styrofoam package full of top quality, Omaha steaks. I must admit, after marinating with a few tablespoons of white vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning and cooking on my Foreman Grill, these were some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Obviously, author is a ************

Seriously, though, it's good to hear that "POUNDS OF MEATPOOP IN YER COLON KILLIN UR MANS" **** debunked.

Also, does he know he can get an elk permit and a bullet for like 100 bucks and save himself quite a bit on that ribeye?

**partyboy** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 9:58pm

Originally Posted by JohnnyCache

Obviously, author is a ************

Seriously, though, it's good to hear that "POUNDS OF MEATPOOP IN YER COLON KILLIN UR MANS" **** debunked.

Also, does he know he can get an elk permit and a bullet for like 100 bucks and save himself quite a bit on that ribeye?

elk permits (for good hunting spots) can be pricey and are usually run by a lottery... they're a good deal if you're hunting in-state but out of staters pay out the wazoo. deer and antelope are usually an easier hunt and you still get a lot of meat for what you pay for.

probably a little known fact:
antelope meat has more cholesterol than most other meats (chicken, beef, etc.)

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 2/18/2009 10:17pm

OP is from CANADA dude

he can get a permit for something in the deer family 75% of the time.

****, here, a resident doe antelope or mule deer permit is 22 USD, and a trophy permit is 38.

Coolest thing on the Wyoming game and fish website? HUNT WITH FALCON $16

Elk here are done by lotto but are 57 for residents - my parents both put in ever year and I can only remember a few years when neither of them got a permit.

People don't hunt enough. Hunting is supposed to be this big redneck thing, but as far as i'm concerned if you're not a vegan and you've never once killed your own food, you need to think about it.

Most people actually can hunt in state if they're willing to drive a few hours. Would you drive a few hours for a 50$ side of beef or pork? As far as I know, every state in the union has some form of decent hunting or fishing.

---------- Post added at 09:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 PM ----------

Originally Posted by partyboy

elk permits (for good hunting spots) can be pricey and are usually run by a lottery... they're a good deal if you're hunting in-state but out of staters pay out the wazoo. deer and antelope are usually an easier hunt and you still get a lot of meat for what you pay for.

probably a little known fact:
antelope meat has more cholesterol than most other meats (chicken, beef, etc.)

Second little know fact:

Although the sample group is relatively small, those with sufficiently sweeping expertise agree that antelope, in fact, tastes exactly like my balls. Antelope makes great stew, though, you don't have to add any sage.

**EmetShamash** · Posted On: 2/19/2009 7:36pm

Yeah, people that haven't even killed a single animal for food should be revoked of their right to bitch about vegetarians.

The problem with hunting and getting sustainably raised animals is that it they can't feed people on a massive scale. If everyone hunted all the time, we wouldn't have any wild game. If the only animals raised for slaughter were raised sustainably then meat would be prohibitively expensive without huge government subsidies.

Anyway, if you read the interview that Berardi did, you can read more about the diet that he was on. Pretty interesting stuff, I still need to find the after pictures and his more in depth analysis of how his diet went.