Non-organic, commercially processed meats abound the market because these are relatively cheap, have a long shelf life, and are often ready to eat or require very minimal preparation prior to serving. This may very well be, but the dangers that non-organic, commercially processed meats pose to your health far outweigh the conveniences that these readily available food items offer.
Continue reading and learn more about the negative effects of non-organic commercially processed meat and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid them as a source of protein.
Risks of Non-Organic Commercially Processed Meat
Non-organic, commercially processed meats are sourced from concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs. Animals in CAFOs are regularly given a potent concoction of vaccines and antibiotics to combat the infections and diseases that proliferate in these dirty and crowded feedlots. These pharmaceuticals leave traces in the harvested and consequently processed meats. Antibiotics residues are particularly a concern as it’s feared to cause antibiotics-resistance in humans.
Also, feedlot-raised animals, especially cattle, are routinely administered with organophosphates to minimize infestation of warble flies. In a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was found that children with higher levels of organophosphate by-products in their urine most likely had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Avoiding non-organic, commercially processed meats, which for certain have traces of pesticides, may then help minimize your children’s exposure to ADHD-causing organophosphates.
Non-organic, commercially processed meats, especially those made from red meats, are thought to cause higher insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the body, too. IGF-1 is a type of hormone which, among other functions, brings about growth of malignant cells in the body. According to a study, red meat intake is associated with increased IGF-1 and so avoiding non-organic, commercially processed red meats may help lower your risk for colorectal, prostate, or breast cancer.
Of great concern is the presence of sodium nitrites and sodium nitrates in these commercially processed meats as well. These compounds are routinely added to the meat during the preliminary stages of processing to ensure that dangerous pathogenic bacteria are killed. Sodium nitrites and sodium nitrates are highly toxic and have been in the news of late because these compounds are feared to cause cancer.
Furthermore, non-organic, commercially processed meats often have an unbalanced omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratio because of the unnatural grain diet that the animals were made to eat. Feedlot-sourced meats have been found to have as much as a 20-to-1 ratio, as compared to pasture-raised organic pork or grass-fed beef which have a healthier 2-to-1 omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratio. Humans with significantly high omega-6 fatty acid intake are at a higher risk for illnesses like cardiovascular, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases as well as cancer. This is why it’s important to opt for a diet with a balanced in omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid levels by steering clear of non-organic, commercially processed meats.
Feedlot-sourced meats have been found to have higher likelihood of E. Coli contamination as well. For one, the living conditions in concentrated animal feeding operations are squalid making the animals highly prone to infections. For another, the enforced diet of grains makes for unhealthy animals, particularly in cows. As it turns out, the unnatural barley and corn diet results in a highly acidic environment in the guts of these animals, a condition which is very suitable for E. coli infestation, which could then be passed on to humans who consume the contaminated meat.
In the next post, I’ll tell you the negative effects of chemically preserved or dried meats and why you should avoid it to succeed in your quest to Become Superhuman.
In the meantime, if you care to jump ahead, here is a complete listing of the protein sources on Superhuman Food Pyramid:
Eat:
• Grass-Fed Beef, Bison or Buffalo or Lamb
• Pasture-Raised, Organic Pork
• Sardines, Anchovies or Haddock in Water or Olive Oil
• Wild Salmon, Trout, Tilapia or Flounder
• Organic Whey/Casein Protein Powder
• Organic Rice/Pea Protein Powder
• Organic Yogurt (Full-Fat)
Moderate:
• Raw Cheese from Grass Fed Cows
• Naturally preserved or dried meats
• Miso, tempeh, tamari or natto
• Soaked or sprouted beans and legumes
• Raw seeds and nuts
Avoid:
• Non-Organic, Commercially Processed Meat
• Chemically Preserved or Dried Meats
• Protein Powders with Artificial Sweeteners
• Tofu
• Roasted Seeds and Nuts
• Regular or Canned Beans and Legumes
If you have questions, comments or feedback about the negative effects of non-organic commercially processed meat, the Superhuman Food Pyramid, this website, or other aspects of Becoming Superhuman, then leave your thoughts below, as well as any tips you have on the negative effects of non-organic commercially processed meat.
Author Bio: Ben Greenfield
His credentials include:
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology
Personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)
Advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta, the “Harvard” of bicycle fitting schools
Over 10 years experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports
Ben hosts the highly popular fitness, nutrition and wellness website at http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com, which features blogs, podcasts, and product reviews from Ben. He is a frequent contributor to Triathlete magazine and LAVA magazine, Endurance Planet (http://www.enduranceplanet.com), the outdoor sports magazine OutThere Monthly and has been featured in WebMD, the Spokesman-Review, Inlander magazine, In-Health magazine, Fit-Pro magazine, PTontheNet, Prevention magazine, Women’s Running magazine, and Inside Triathlon magazine.
As a public speaker on fitness, nutrition, and training, Ben hosts one of the top ranked fitness podcasts in iTunes, the Get-Fit Guy (http://www.GetFitGuy.com), and has been a keynote lecturer at the Hawaii Ironman World Championships Medical Conference, the Coeur D’ Alene Ironman Medical Conference, USAT Art & Science of Coaching Symposium, Can-Fit-Pro Conference, Pilgrim’s Wellness Center Education Series, Fleet Feet Sports Endurance Sports Clinic and REI Nutrition Clinic. He sits on the board of directors for Tri-Fusion triathlon team, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is the official coach for the YoungTri. As a triathlon coach and competitor, Ben competes at Ironman and Half-Ironman World Championships, holds a ranking as of USAT’s top ranked age grouper triathletes, and competes in 15-20 triathlons each year, both nationally and internationally.
