|
You are here: Greater Things > Newsletter > Archive > Sept. - Dec. 1999 > # |
Op/Ed: Lower Puberty Age a Function of Hormones in Meat & Dairy
Message #65
Date: Oct 27 1999 09:42:49 EDT
From: "Sterling D. Allan" <sterlingda@greaterthings.com>
Subject: Op/Ed: Lower Puberty Age a Function of Hormones in Meat & Dairy
SUBJECT: Lower Puberty Age a Function of Hormones in Meat & Dairy
Dear Editor,
A recent Knight Ridder News Service reported that the decreased age for
puberty in girls "could be related to polycarbonate plastic products such as
baby bottles, food-can linings and food storage containers."
A much more profound contributor to the diminished age of puberty for both
girls and boys is the hormones they get by eating meat and dairy products --
a dietary trend which significantly increases with the affluence of society,
helped along by the scientific advances enabling the meat and dairy
industries to pump their animals full of hormones.
In his book "Diet for a New America," the Baskin and Robbins fortune heir
apparent turned Vegan, John Robbins, cites data showing the change in the
age of puberty for Japanese girls from 16.5 years in 1875 to 12.2 years in
1974. He says this is attributable to them changing from their traditional
vegetable and rice diet to a "a diet much higher in animal fat."
Even in its optimal performance, the human body can be affected by ingested
hormones and hormone look-alike chemicals. (A scary thought when you think
of the adrenaline-heavy "fight/flight" response evoked in animals at the
time of slaughter.)
The hormonal system of animals is not that much different from humans. When
they are eaten, their hormones are added to ours -- even though only a small
proportion of the hormones present may be assimilated.
So why should we be surprised that with the dramatic increase in meat and
dairy consumption over the past few decades that we would likewise see our
children's age of puberty diminishing (and sex and violence increasing)?
Yet another reason to admire the wisdom in the health code revealed through
Joseph Smith. "Flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the
Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they
are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be
used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine." (Doctrine and
Covenants 89:12,13.)
The puberty issue is but one of many reasons why this counsel is wise and
timely. Increased health from diminished fat and cholesterol intake is
another huge benefit. Also the increased meat/dairy-based diet has
contributed tremendously to the pillaging of the earth's resources. It is
probably 100-fold less efficient to cycle grains and water through animals
to be eaten as meat compared to eating grains, fruits, vegetables ourselves.
But more profoundly, think of the social implications that would come if we
reverenced life rather than raping it.
The promiscuity and violence of our youngsters may indeed be caused in part
by the physical hormones contained in animal products. But how profoundly
are our youth effected emotionally by the disregard for life taught by our
dietary practices?
Sterling D. Allan
http://www.GreaterThings.com
new scripture word code studies
http://www.JosephPrep.com
preparedness in the spirit of Joseph of Egypt
165 W. 400 N. 3-1
Manti, UT 84642
435-835-1625
The above editorial is posted on-line at
http://www.greaterthings.com/Editorial/puberty&meat.htm
