Top 10 Hidden Dangers of Consuming Animal Products
Animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs have long been considered an essential part of a balanced diet. However, recent research has revealed that consuming animal products can have dangerous effects on our health. In this blog post, we will explore the health risks associated with consuming animal products and why reducing our intake is crucial for our wellbeing.
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Animal products contain cholesterol, high levels of proteins and saturated fats or lipids. If they were raised in commercial farms, then there is a high likelihood that they were given growth hormones and antibiotics (as growth promoters), which also cause health problems in the consumer. The presence of cholesterol, proteins and saturated lipids make animal products the major cause or risk factor for getting NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases) for the following reasons:
Dangerous Effects Of Animal products
1. High protein diet leads to high levels
of uric acid (the by-product of protein metabolism) in the consumer. Higher
levels of uric acid make the blood acidic, forcing the body to extract calcium
from the bones to balance the blood acidity. This leaking of calcium from the
bones leads to osteoporosis and bone-associated disorders.
2. The uric acid settles in the joints of
the bones to cause gouty arthritis and other forms of arthritis or becomes
crystallised in the urine
3. Higher uric acid
levels also burden the kidneys and can cause kidney failure and other kidney
diseases.
4. The cholesterol and
saturated fats in animal products settle in the veins and arteries of the
consumer, leading to arteriosclerosis (build-up of cholesterol and lipids in
blood vessels), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries and veins), clogged
arteries and veins (leading to hypertension, angina pectoris, heart attacks and
strokes), floating fatty clots of blood called embolus that can cause deep-vein
thrombosis, stroke, and heart attacks etc.
5. Meat and animal products are addictive as drugs, making it
difficult for the consumer to stop eating it. This makes it even more difficult
to control or stop taking animal products.
6. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases
Animal products contain high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, consuming red and processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found in animal products can also raise blood cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
7. Higher Rates of Obesity
The high calorie content of animal products can lead to weight gain and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 42% of adults in the United States are obese. Consuming a diet high in animal products has been linked to weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
The high calorie content of animal products can lead to weight gain and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 42% of adults in the United States are obese. Consuming a diet high in animal products has been linked to weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
8. Foodborne Illnesses
Animal products can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Consuming raw or undercooked animal products can increase the risk of infection. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization or even death.
Animal products can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Consuming raw or undercooked animal products can increase the risk of infection. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization or even death.
9. Antibiotic Resistance
The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can make it harder to treat infections in humans. According to the World Health Organization, the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture is one of the main contributors to the global antibiotic resistance crisis. Consuming animal products that have been treated with antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can make it harder to treat infections in humans. According to the World Health Organization, the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture is one of the main contributors to the global antibiotic resistance crisis. Consuming animal products that have been treated with antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
10. Environmental Contaminants
Animal products can contain environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and dioxins. These contaminants can accumulate in animal tissue and be passed on to humans who consume animal products. Consuming animal products that contain high levels of environmental contaminants can increase the risk of certain cancers, neurological disorders, and other health problems.
Animal products can contain environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and dioxins. These contaminants can accumulate in animal tissue and be passed on to humans who consume animal products. Consuming animal products that contain high levels of environmental contaminants can increase the risk of certain cancers, neurological disorders, and other health problems.
Therefore, one of the first and important decisions to make with regards to reversing or preventing NCDs, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is to totally stop eating animal products, or for those who are seriously addicted, reduce it to an occasional or sparing use such as once weekly, monthly or yearly. In addition, it is better to use smoked fish/meat than fried or cooked ones. One may also decide to use only eggs and/or dairy sparingly and avoid all other animal products, albeit total abstinence offers the best health outcome.
Conclusion
Consuming animal products can have dangerous effects on our health. From an increased risk of chronic diseases and obesity to foodborne illnesses and antibiotic resistance, the risks associated with consuming animal products are significant. Reducing (or totally avoiding it) our consumption of animal products can help to mitigate these risks and improve our overall health. Choosing plant-based alternatives or reducing our intake of animal products can be a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
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