The Meaty Debate

Meat has long been a topic of discussion, not just in culinary circles but also in the realms of health and wellness. While some praise its nutrient density, others highlight its environmental and health drawbacks. A recent study on beef brings new data to the table, particularly concerning its impact on vitamin D and selenium levels in young women.

The Study in a Nutshell: What Did Researchers Find?

The study conducted a double-blind intervention to compare the effects of consuming nutrient-optimized beef versus conventional beef. The results were intriguing: nutrient-optimized beef (essentially cattle raised for optimal nutrient levels) significantly improved vitamin D and selenium levels among young women participants.

Why This Matters: Vitamin D and Selenium

Vitamin D and selenium are essential nutrients that play pivotal roles in various bodily functions. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, while selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Many women suffer from deficiencies in these nutrients, often resorting to supplements or specific diets to make up the shortfall.

Herbalism and Nutrient Optimization: A Complementary Approach

As a herbalist, the idea of nutrient optimization resonates with me. Herbs and plants are nature's original nutrient-dense foods. Combining the benefits of optimized meat with a balanced herbal diet could offer a more comprehensive approach to nutrition. We are omnivores, after all.

The Study’s Weaknesses

While the study's findings are promising, it's important to note that the women were only monitored in the study for a relatively short period of time. Also, the study focused solely on young women, limiting its general applicability to other age groups. Further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits and impacts on different demographics.

A Balanced Plate for Optimal Health

The study adds a new layer to our understanding of meat as a source of essential nutrients. For those concerned about the health concerns that can arise from nutrient deficiencies, eating more beef and organ meats could help. Many plant-based foods available have less than half of the nutrients they did even 50 years ago due to the depletion of the minerals in our topsoil.

Sources:

Sugrobova NP, Gurevich VM, Chebotareva NA, Kurganov BI. Denaturatsiia glutamatdegidrogenazy iz pecheni byka pod deĭstviem guanidinkhlorida i izuchenie vozmozhnosti renaturatsii fermenta [Denaturation of beef liver glutamate dehydrogenase under the action of guanidine hydrochloride and a study of the possibility of the enzyme renaturation]. Biokhimiia. 1979 Mar;44(3):424-31. Russian. PMID: 465590.

Yang, S. (2015, May 7). Human security at risk as depletion of soil accelerates, scientists warn. Berkeley News. https://news.berkeley.edu/2015/05/07/soil-depletion-human-security/

Melville, K. (2020, September 24). How does nutrient-depleted soil impact our food, and what can we do to fix it? Chris Kresser. https://chriskresser.com/depletion-of-soil-and-what-can-be-done/

Coyle, D. (2017, April 20). Organ meats: Why they are incredibly nutritious and healthy. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/organ-meats