Killer "corned" beef?

In past Daily Doses, I've often extolled the upsides of organically reared beef, but perhaps have only touched on (instead of hammering in) many of the downsides of NOT seeking the most natural variety of this truly healthy health food. Until now, that is.

In my last article, I told you about how hormones commonly injected into conventionally raised, corn-fed U.S. cattle since around 1990 may be causing abnormal physiological and sexual development in children - plus dramatically increasing the rate of twin births in this country. Needless to say, the birthing of twins is far more medically risky for women than single deliveries.

But as I forewarned in the last article, this isn't the only way our hormone-laced beef is putting Americans at risk…

According to the recent UK research I cited in the last Dose, there's also a good deal of evidence suggesting that the artificial growth-causing hormones injected into conventionally farmed U.S. beef may increase our risk of CANCER.

Cancer data from both countries points to the probability that these hormones and other synthetic chemicals used in the cattle-rearing process can contribute to an increased risk of both breast and prostate cancer over a lifetime. Case in point, from the female perspective:

Both American and UK women likely consume similar amounts of beef in their diets (the UK ladies may actually consume more as a ratio of dietary calories) - yet the rate of breast cancer among UK women is over 32% LOWER. Comparisons in prostate cancer risk between UK and U.S. men shows a similar disparity.

Here's the factual lynchpin of this assertion: The European Union prohibits growth or sex hormones in cattle sold or beef prepared in that part of the world, yet it's the norm here in the U.S. Coincidence? I don't think so.

If you don't either, maybe you should consider seeking out sources of organic, grass-fed beef for your table. But if you can't find it, that's no reason to give up beef. Don't think of it in terms of "good" beef or "bad" beef. It just may be a good idea from both a risk and nutrition standpoint to go the extra mile and spend the extra buck for what's natural…

As usual.