Meridian Magazine : : Healthy Outlook: The Skinny on Fats

There are three ideas expressed in these verses.

1. Meats are ordained for the dietary use of man.
2. We should remember to give thanks if we consume meats, realizing the source and sacrifice.
3. It is preferable that we use meats in times of scarcity or cold seasons.

The first two of these are self-explanatory and in accordance with common sense. The third concept is less clear. If the advice to use meat only in times of scarcity were applied to many saints today, we might assume that the Lord prefers a vegetarian diet. However, verse 12 tells us that the Lord ordained meat for the use of man. A more likely interpretation is that the "winter", "cold", and "famine" spoken of by the Lord, are meant to express overall precaution about the use of meats, and that this caution is less of an issue in winter when the temperatures drop low. Could it be that eating meats during warm weather in the rural and frontier setting of the early church was a significant risk, and that the Lord was trying to protect His little band of disciples from some danger?

In recent years, scientists have discovered a dangerous and infectious microorganism called Escherichia Coli 0157:H7. This germ is a cousin to the much less dangerous E.Coli organism that all humans have by the millions in their lower bowel. E.Coli 0157:H7 is frequently found in the gut of many animals, specifically beef and pigs. If the organism in ingested by humans, it may proliferate and lead to a disease called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, resulting in kidney disease, generalized internal bleeding and possibly death. There are an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 cases each year in the U.S., and about 60 deaths.

The results of a large study on E.Coli 0157:H7, funded by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, was published in April 2000 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research was conducted at several large meat-packing plants in the Midwest, and was designed to identify the presence of this disease-causing E. Coli organism on the animal carcasses using new, more accurate methods for detection. During the warm summer months, approximately half the carcasses were positive for the presence of the organism. The occurrence of this E. Coli dropped to 1% during the winter months, even though 83% of these same cattle were known to have been previously exposed to this germ.

It is interesting that the revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, gave this specific advice to the Saints to consider consuming meats only in winter. None of these frontier men and women had refrigeration, running water, or the means to adequately protect themselves from ingesting E. Coli 0157:H7, and possibly developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Could it be that the Lord was doing for them, what had been done in ancient Israel when He forbade the children of the covenant from eating pork?

It is reassuring to all of us who buy meat in the market today, that there were no positive cultures from the carcasses after they had gone through the plant's usual cleaning process, which generally involves steam, hot water, and organic acid rinses. However, we must stay vigilant in our efforts to always cook meat well, and to adequately clean all surfaces and utensils used in meat preparation.

Because we don't know the Lord's intent when He specified a preference for His children to use meat sparingly and in winter, we must stay open further knowledge and revelation on this matter.

What Does Nutritional Science Say about Dietary Meat?

Many in our society wonder what science has shown us regarding the health effects of dietary meat. Is a vegetarian diet better for long-term health? Does a high meat diet lead to an increased risk of diseases? What about the diets that cut out carbohydrates and replace them with meats. With 64% of Americans overweight or obese, there is great interest in the debate about what kind of foods are responsible for weight gain - carbohydrates or fats? If carbohydrates, is a diet with less carbohydrates and more proteins (meats) a good idea?

And the stakes in this argument are even higher, because diets which nearly eliminate carbohydrates usually encourage high fat intake, and certain kinds of fat are linked to higher risks for cancer; whereas, certain types of carbohydrates, especially fruits and vegetables, are believed responsible for lowering that risk. Originally, scientists recommended reducing overall fat intake for both heart health and lowering body weight. New research now shows that certain fats, if used in limited amounts, have clear health benefits. These fats are found in fish and in a variety of plants. Unsaturated fats (remember, fats which are more "hydrogenated" are more saturated) like olive and canola oil are considered to be "heart healthy". Similarly, fats with omega-3 fatty acids in their structure (fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola, soybeans, etc.) may protect against cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other conditions. The fats that have been linked to increased rates of cancer and heart disease are saturated fats, which are generally from animal sources such as meats and dairy products. Vegetable oils can be similarly harmful if they are processed to become hydrogenated by adding trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated vegetable oils are used in many foods such as crackers to give a crisp character).

Carbohydrates can be lumped into three groups - simple (sugars), medium(starches), and complex. Sugars and excess starches in the diet cause a greater than normal amount of insulin release. Insulin is the hormone of calorie storage, and thus leads to weight gain. Complex carbohydrates often contain a high amount of fiber, and are digested more slowly, resulting in a lower insulin production. Fiber is a leading inhibitor of colon cancer. Many fiber-rich foods are also rich in cancer-fighting vitamins and phytochemicals.

In my opinion, the bottom line in this protein debate is this: look at your plate and visualize that � of it is filled with fruits, beans, and lower starch vegetables/grains, the remainder filled with lean animal protein, or vegetable protein. Here is my advice for those who are interested in losing weight. The long-term key is reducing portion size and increasing exercise. Initially, create a diet that sharply reduces simple carbohydrates and lessens starches, while increasing complex carbohydrates and non-animal proteins (example: nuts like almonds and soy nuts, RyKrisp crackers, hummus, etc.). As you establish a new pattern of weight reduction and increased exercise, the diet can be relaxed to allow a better variety of fruits and vegetables.

In a Nutshell

Let me summarize. The Word of Wisdom is filled with pearls of protection and prevention. This revelation was given to protect the early saints in an era before basic sanitation was available, and when refrigeration was only available during the cold winter months. Therefore, they were advised to eat meats in winter. This is basic microbiological advice from the Lord. The revelation has also been given as basic nutritional advice, suggesting that our diets ought to use meat with thanksgiving, and not to excess. There is strong scientific evidence today of the benefit of a diet which is balanced, but emphasizes whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.