Adding fire to the flame, conventionally-reared cows are given antibiotics and synthetic hormones. Cows are highly susceptible to disease and infection not only because they’re confined in feedlots (does this sound familiar; feedlots on a farm-cubicles in an office...), but also because they’re fed a diet for which they are ill-adapted. Instead of fixing the root of the problem (profitability trumps all), antibiotics are used to combat these bovine diseases.
Hormones are also injected into cows in the name of profit. Beef cows are often injected with five different hormones--three natural hormones and two synthetic (read more). Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone are the three natural hormones used, and ironically play an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in women. Unfortunately, these same hormones are ingested when we consume beef; these hormones don't just disappear (we are what we eat). Meanwhile, dairy cows are injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) in order to increase the production of milk. This is just one of many of the genetically engineered products marketed by the biotech company, Monsanto. Take into consideration that some may eat beef in the form of hamburgers on most days of the week (if not more) and on top of that consume milk from rBST-treated dairy cows, and the potential impacts are startling. Perhaps the growing number of girls beginning menstruation as early as 6-years-old should serve as a signal that something is awry. Although research in this area is limited, medical professionals attribute this shocking occurrence to our rapidly changing food supply and environment as well as the growing rates of childhood obesity.
Hormones are also injected into cows in the name of profit. Beef cows are often injected with five different hormones--three natural hormones and two synthetic (read more). Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone are the three natural hormones used, and ironically play an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in women. Unfortunately, these same hormones are ingested when we consume beef; these hormones don't just disappear (we are what we eat). Meanwhile, dairy cows are injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) in order to increase the production of milk. This is just one of many of the genetically engineered products marketed by the biotech company, Monsanto. Take into consideration that some may eat beef in the form of hamburgers on most days of the week (if not more) and on top of that consume milk from rBST-treated dairy cows, and the potential impacts are startling. Perhaps the growing number of girls beginning menstruation as early as 6-years-old should serve as a signal that something is awry. Although research in this area is limited, medical professionals attribute this shocking occurrence to our rapidly changing food supply and environment as well as the growing rates of childhood obesity.
With that said, I am opposed to the consumption of corn-fed beef and milk from cows treated with rBST. Perhaps, more suiting, I should title this blog entry, “My Beef with Corn-Fed Beef,” because when the time is permitting, "Moo Moo" the grass-fed, hormone-, and antibiotic-free cow just might end up on my dinner plate in moderation (as in every other week or so, not 2 or 3 times/week). Besides, beef is a great source of protein, iron, B-vitamins, zinc, and niacin. AND on top of that (when reared in the appropriate way!), it’s real (more on “Eating Real”).
Learn more on rBGH in the video below.
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