Stop trusting science

We need to stop trusting science and start questioning it.

The other day, I was doing some research to put together a simple guide on reading labels for beef. I knew this would be a little bit more complicated than the one I did for chicken, but man did I end up down a few rabbit holes.

At one point, I found this 3-part series on meat labeling on the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s website. Although I found some of the information helpful, I disagreed with quite a bit of their facts, or should I say how they presented the facts.

In part I, the author discusses the “benefits” and “limitations” of grass-fed beef. Some of them include (in my own words):

• Grass-fed beef has a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (2:1 vs. 7:1). Then, they go on to say, “beef should not be considered as a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids; fish (such as salmon, tuna, halibut, krill), algae, canola or soybean oil, some plants, walnuts, or ground flaxseed would be great options”. EEK, canola or soybean oil are better sources of healthy fats!?! Also, reducing my omega-6 intake is a high priority for me, and should be for you, too if you care about your health.
• Grass-fed beef is leaner, ie. “lower in fat”. Um, haven’t we all moved beyond the low fat dogma by now?
• Grass-fed beef takes more time and more resources to produce. But at what cost is raising feedlot cattle more “efficient”?
• Grass-fed cows create more methane (fart more) and live longer so therefore are a greater source of greenhouse gases. This can’t be the whole picture…what about everything else that goes into producing cattle?
• Grass-fed beef is less tender and has less appealing coloring and marbling. I still prefer the meat with a healthier fat profile and one that comes from a happy, healthy cow.

As you can see, I have some issues with their facts, especially the fact that grass-fed cows contribute more greenhouse gases than feedlot cattle. They aren’t telling the whole story here. Funnily enough…if you scroll down to the Resources section of this UNL article, you’ll find a reference to an article titled, “How Cows (Grass-Fed Only) Could Save the Planet”!

In this referenced article, the author explains, “‘Grass-fed beef has a much lighter carbon footprint.’ Indeed, although grass-fed cattle may produce more methane than conventional ones…, their net emissions are lower because they help the soil sequester carbon”.

And this is why we need to stop “trusting science” and start questioning it. What is the publication’s frame of reference? What are their motives and agenda? What are they profiting off of? What are their research limitations and assumptions? Where are they getting their data?

No wonder topics like nutrition and climate change are so complicated. No wonder it’s so hard to figure out how to create a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. “Trusting the science” will inevitably leave you confused at best and downright wrong at worst.

I suggest looking at nature as a guide. Mother Nature has been around longer than we have and she knows what’s up. Keep it simple and keep an open mind.

If you need more guidance, sign up for my 5-day Kitchen Clean up challenge. Starting January 17th, I will walk you through 5 simple changes you can make that are not only “backed by science” but also just make good sense. If you stick with these 5 changes, your physical and mental health will improve!