Issue 4: Meat as a Cancer-Fighting Food, COP28 Insights, and a Recipe
I feel like 2023 slipped away too quickly. I'm not ready to let it go yet, and I feel as though I'm just running forward in time, not walking, not strolling, but racing. I want it to slow down. I'm feeling slightly melancholic as I put this newsletter together, probably because of the state of the world as we approach the season of 'peace' along with the constant headlines coming out from the current COP28 climate meeting in Dubai.
#1 Meat and Climate: COP28
You may have heard that many climate leaders are gathering in Dubai the first 2 weeks of December to talk about strategies to mitigate global warming. One of the key recommendations that is expected to come from the UN Climate Change Conference is the necessity for severe reductions in meat consumption by Western countries. Knowing that people won't want to do that voluntarily, climate advocates are recommending that governments regulate, tax, and subsidize foods based on their carbon emissions, with the sole purpose of making meat so expensive, that people would have to choose vegan alternatives. This is such a narrowly-focused, poorly thought-through suggestion, that I don't even know how to discuss it maturely. I just want to simultaneously cry and rage. The long-term ramifications for Western countries that are already in the throes of a chronic disease epidemic, with the US topping the list, is going to be severe; not to mention what it means for the nutrient status of growing infants and children, menstruating/pregnant women, and the elderly. I recently wrote a blog post on why this isn't a helpful strategy for us. Please take a look at how, even from a purely climate perspective, this policy makes no sense.
#2 Food in the News
Just a couple of weeks ago, a new study from the University of Chicago came out identifying cancer-fighting metabolites in meat. Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) is a long-chain fatty acid found in the meat and dairy of grazing animals like cows, goats, and sheep. TVA improves the capacity of immune cells to invade and kill tumor cells. In general, individuals with high levels of circulating TVA responded better to immunotherapy. It enhances the functioning of the immune system. It's probably no coincidence that TVA is the most abundant fatty acid in human breast milk, but the body cannot produce its own TVA - it must be sourced from food. As one of the senior authors noted, the fact that TVA is one of the few metabolites necessary in circulating blood, after millions of years of human evolution points to its "importance in our biology." I say let's celebrate that with a steak!
#3 New Download: Meat Stock
Meat stock is a deeply healing food that strengthens the integrity of the gut lining. Meat stock has several properties that are particularly healing for the gut. It is rich in nutrients such as collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals. It is the cornerstone of any protocol requiring deep healing - autoimmune disorders, autism spectrum, degenerative disorders, mental health, etc. It's also a great addition for the upcoming winter months. It boosts immunity and keeps you resilient.
- Collagen and gelatin: The collagen and gelatin found in meat stock strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
- Amino acids: Meat stock contains various amino acids, including glycine, glutamine, and proline, which also help improve the integrity of the gut barrier.
- Minerals: The minerals that come out of the bones, meat, skin and joints are highly absorbable, meaning that they are easy for your body to use. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other trace minerals are found in meat stock.
I have a *free* recipe download for easy meat stock with flavor variations that might be helpful and appealing. Also, please note: meat stock is not the same as bone broth. Although bone broth has its place, it serves a different purpose than meat stock in a healing protocol. See the download for details.
I hope you find peace, joy, and comfort in the upcoming holidays. Happy Christmas!
Remember, health is a birthright. Claim yours.
Chat soon,
Lubna
