What are hormones?
Hormones are natural chemicals that are available in the bodies of all animals, including human beings. Although hormones can be produced in small amounts, they play an important role in controlling vital body functions such as development, reproduction and growth.
Hormones have various chemistry and can be steroids or proteins. When taken orally, steroid hormones are active in the body. For example, birth control pills are regarded as steroid hormones. They can be taken by mouth. On the other hand, protein hormones are dissolved in the stomach, and lose their capacity to act in the body when taken by mouth. As a result, protein hormones are usually injected into the body to have an impact. Insulin, for example, is a protein hormone and it is injected in the body of diabetic patients for treatment.
Negative impacts
Growth hormones are given to cattle in order to make them gain weight quicker, hence producing meat goods for consumers. These types of hormones also enhance milk production.
While meat and dairy industries rely on using growth hormones for improved productivity and a huge profit, these hormones can pose a lot of health related threats for humans.
Early Puberty in Girls
Early adolescence may be connected with some kind of growth hormones that are usually used in mild products and meat. Some researchers reveal that growth hormones, in particular, lead young girls to go through puberty too soon, an incident connected with higher risk for breast cancer later on. If you are worried about these possible adverse effects of growth hormones, look for dairy products or meats that are hormone-free
Increased Risk for Breast Cancer
Because of the use of steroid hormones in food, some researchers and consumers worry that the risk of getting breast cancer may increase. This concern is validated by an expert called Andrew Weil. He says that the foods that contain growth hormones pose a greater risk in getting breast cancer. However, the experts clarifies that the U.S department of Agriculture does not permit the use of hormones in chickens, raising hogs and turkeys or various other fowl. Therefore, you can consume meats and various other foods stemmed from these animals if you are worried about getting breast cancer.
Growth hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, are used 2/3 of all American sheep and cattle. Foods that are labeled “no hormones administered.” are expensive, but they are devoid of hormone related risks.
Increased Risk for Prostate Cancer
Consumers and researchers are also worry that growth hormones in food might increase the danger for prostrate cancer. According to an Australian researchers named Mike Waters, from University of Queensland, discovered that obstructing certain growth hormones can lower the risk for prostrate cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid foods that contain high amount of growth hormones.
Some experts at Cornell University recommend consuming meat and dairy products in small amounts increasing your consumption of vegetables and fruits, and cooking meats without charring or burning them to lower your consumption of steroid hormones and improve health.
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