5 reasons to go easy on the holiday hams

THIS INSTEAD OF THAT. Liberal amounts of fruits, vegetables and grains make for a younger, vibrant brain, and a jollier disposition this holiday season.

Local studies have pointed out that, historically, there has been a marked increase of hospital admittances involving patients suffering from heart attack, stroke and complications of diabetes immediately following the holiday season. Nutritionists and medical experts have pinpointed the culprit: The overindulgence on the “good stuff” laid out on the dining table—meats, hams, fatty and high-sugar foods, and alcoholic beverages. Here are the five evidences that pin the blame on meat:

1 Animal protein has been attributed to bone loss, tumor growth and higher risk of fractures. The direct relationship between animal protein intake and fracture rates have been published in 29 peer-reviewed research publications and extensively discussed in “The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health.” Scientist Jane Plant, author of the “No Dairy Breast Cancer Prevention Program,” stressed that eating animal-based proteins could result in calcium loss.

2 Animals develop tumors, too. “If an animal has cancer or a tumor, the diseased part of the animal is cut away, and the rest of the body is sold in parts. Yet it is possible that the disease may have circulated throughout the animal. Worse yet, the diseased parts may be incorporated into mixed meats such as hotdogs or luncheon meats,” said renowned nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.

3 Red meat is associated with colorectal cancer. “Red meat is really associated with colon cancer,” said gastroenterologist Dr. Joey Sollano in 2008. He noted that the fat intake of Filipinos has been “very high.” He also observed that the consumption of meat in Korea and Japan had increased, and so did the incidence of colon cancer in those countries.

4 Meat has been shown to weaken the brain’s frontal lobe, where judgments, reasoning, intellect, and will are formed. Factors that impair our frontal lobe include the use and ingestion of drugs, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, toxic chemicals, large amounts of sugars, arachidonic acid and large molecules in animal protein (red meat, poultry). Preventive healthcare expert Dr. Neil Nedley said liberal amounts of fruits, vegetables and grains make for a younger, vibrant brain—the best nourishment for the frontal lobe.

5 Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, a diet laden with animal protein, processed “junk” foods can cause a person’s blood pressure and other internal systems to shoot up, according to nutritionists and medical experts.

There are ways to avoid the “land mines of health” of the traditional meat-based holiday fare, and still feel jolly. Check out happycow.net, and if you live in Manila, get in touch with chef Alice Ty (02) 343-6616, 8922-8148193, or e-mail her at [email protected]. Call Dr. Blecenda Varona, RND at +639274281221 or e-mail [email protected], or Bali-certified raw chef and professional educator Asha Peri (through Sugar Leaf’s Angelo Songco at +639178039055).