Lean, finely-textured beef, LFTB, or "pink slime" has caught the public's attention and caused concern among consumers. It is small remnants of beef still attached to fat that has been trimmed from beef cuts. It is warmed to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and then is centrifuged to remove the fat, leaving behind tiny pieces of beef that otherwise would be wasted.
It doesn't have to be specifically labeled because it is all beef, so it's hard to know whether your grocery store ground beef contains it or not. While it sounds revolting, the real concerns are appearance -- which is like pink baby food -- and microorganisms. Untreated LFTB is ideal for the growth of microorganisms, and often contains E. coli. Therefore, the USDA has approved the use of ammonia gas to destroy the microorganisms. To some, this is beneficial because it makes the beef safer. To others it just makes the product more revolting.
It's an example of choices we have to make in order to be healthier. Pink slime -- LFTB -- is no more dangerous than ordinary ground beef you buy from the grocery store or consume in fast-food burgers. The bottom line is how much does this affect your health? The truth is that eating red meat regularly -- any red meat, not just "pink slime" -- is associated with an increased risk of heart disease over time. It isn't just the pink slime that should concern you, but whether or not you should eat beef at all.
If you do eat beef, know your sources. Spend a little more to buy organic beef, untreated with hormones and antibiotics, and fed natural food without pesticides. If you like and want to eat hamburgers, your best bet is to buy lean beef and grind it yourself, which can be easily done in your food processor. To add moisture, add a little healthy oil, such as olive or walnut oil, to the lean ground beef.
Unlike fruits and vegetables, which are necessary for health, the bottom line is that meat isn't really necessary to sustain your health. Eating less meat -- smaller portions, less often -- is a healthy choice. As for fruits and vegetables, eat organic produce if you can. If you can't find organic produce at a reasonable price, eat the regular produce available in your area, as the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables outweigh the risks of contaminants.
'Pink slime' may be unappetizing, but it's safe, genuine beef
About Me
- Lisa L. Ross, HHP
- I have actively practiced as a Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and massage therapist since 1993 with special interest and training in the Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) technique. My experience is with lymphedema disease, edema in general, pre- and post-surgery massage, cosmetic surgery edema and more. My search for a low or non impact movement modality led me to become a certified trainer in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® I have found it to be a helpful movement modality to stimulate the Lymphatic system and other stagnation out of the body. The Gyrotonic method is the base for movement sessions used at the office. Palliative care is another direction of great interest, as many of my clients are in disease states. My mission is to provide compassionate care and resources for my clients.
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