I’ve been reading a lot of this:

“Eating bacon is as dangerous as smoking!”
“Red meat increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent!”
“Everything gives you cancer, so you may as well eat anything you want, anytime you want!”

So will eating bacon and red meat give you cancer?

Probs not.

I’m going to attempt to clear up some of the confusion and mop up the damage done by passionate, yet sloppy, journalism:

The World Health Organization (WHO? (that’s what I asked, too)) has stated that processed red meat – stuff like bacon, hot dogs, salami – has been classified as a “Group 1” carcinogen, meaning there is good evidence to show that it causes cancer in humans. Cigarettes are also a Group 1 carcinogen, which is prompting all the hysteria.

A Group 1 rating tells us how sure we are that something causes cancer, but it doesn’t tell us how strong the risk is. Cancer Research UK illustrates this by urging us to consider a banana peel. “They definitely can cause accidents, but in practice this doesn’t happen very often […]. And the sort of harm you can come to from slipping on a banana skin isn’t generally as severe as, say, being in a car accident.”

Ok, so how strong is the RISK of cancer from eating processed and/or red meat?

Well the researchers found that eating 50 grams of processed red meat daily increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 18% (and 17% for 100 grams of unprocessed red meat, like hamburger or steak).

OH CRAP, you say, CAN I FREAK OUT?!?!?!

Not yet. Let’s put it into perspective. Smoking increases your risk of developing lung cancer by 2500%, but eating 2 slices of bacon EVERY SINGLE DAY increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18%. So your lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer goes from about 5.0% to 5.6%.

Also, it’s important to note that the report didn’t distinguish between eating organic pastured bacon and other processed meat (like Ballpark hot dogs). Nor did it differentiate between grass fed vs. factory farmed meat. Factory farmed meat has been shown to contain fewer healthy omega 3 fats, but more dangerous bacteria, including bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics – which increases your risk of food poisoning.

Red meat is a great source of tons of important nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc and protein. And you’d have to eat 4 1/2 pounds of carrots to get the same amount of vitamin A contained in 3 oz. of beef liver.

Takeaway: Relax. You can happily – and healthfully – eat red meat a few times a week that has come from lambs, pigs, and cows that have been humanely raised on their natural diet (usually this means grass-fed) and not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Avoid spam. Enjoy a few slices of bacon every now and again. And again.

As for the oft-quoted sentiment that “Everything gives you cancer, so you may as well eat anything you want, anytime you want!”

Well…women who say they eat anything they want, anytime they want have a 28% increase of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Now why isn’t the media freaking out about THAT?😛

You can read the original Lancet article that started all this here.

Other good reading material on this subject can be found here and here 

I wrote this article for Wise Roots Nutrition, where I’m currently interning/assisting. 

You live by Michael Pollan’s words: “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” And even though he never said anything about nail polish, you still feel a little hypocritical traipsing about town with a Barbie pink manicure. Let’s settle this once and for all:

Can bright nail polish fit seamlessly into an organic-lovin’, toxin-hating girl’s life?

Well, yes… if you choose the right brands.

Up until recently, nearly all nail polish formulas contained the “Big 3” toxic ingredients – and many still do:

• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that rates the safety of many personal care products and ingredients, rates DBP a lousy 10/10 for toxicity. It’s been linked to infertility, hormone changes, and anatomical changes in the reproductive system development in baby boys.
• Toluene: Also receives a terrible 10/10 from the EWG. It is described as a “potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea.” Exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may cause developmental damage in the fetus, and it has been linked to blood cancer.
• Formaldehyde: Another 10/10 toxicity rating. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens has classified formaldehyde as “carcinogenic to humans,” and the U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified it as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Formaldehyde gas is also linked to nasal cancer.

In 2006, many companies began removing these three chemicals from their formulas. Popular “3 Free” companies include Wet n’ Wild, MAC, Essie and most OPI colors. Some companies have gone ahead and declared themselves “5 Free” by also removing (or never including) the also toxic formaldehyde resin and camphor from their nail polishes.

The brands below are all verified “5 Free” and have received rave reviews across the Internet:

Chanel: This high-fashion company has gone 5 Free. You won’t find any bubblegum or pastel hues in this line, which features classic colors. $27.
Priti:  A wide assortment of colors, with particularly lovely ethereal tones. Featured in numerous designer fashion shows. $13.
Mineral Fusion: Boasts 61 colors and an abundance of glittery polishes. Also sold at Whole Foods. $8.
RGB: Beautiful, rich colors, with a reputation for staying put. $18.
Vapour: Great staying powder, offered in 11 colors. Vapour also has “3 Free” nail color, so make sure you check the labels for “5 Free.” $16.
Zoya: Recently voted “longest wearing” by Women’s Health Magazine. This is my personal favorite, both for the durability, gorgeous color selection (over 300 colors to choose from!), and reasonable price. Also available at Whole Foods. $9.

For Kids and Mommies-To-Be:

The following are non-toxic and water-based. These may not hold up quite as well as the above conventional formulas, but if non-toxic is your first priority (or you’re giving a pedicure to someone who occasionally puts their toes in their mouth), try these out.
Acquarella: Water-based, completely non-toxic, and available in fun, bright colors. $16.
Scotch Naturals and Hopscotch:  Both brands are “beyond 5 free” as they’ve removed the ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, alcohols and heavy metals. Scotch comes in 43 jaw-dropping colors. $18. Hopscotch features 19 vibrant colors kids will love. $8.
Piggy Paint: Kid-friendly paint that’s also free of BPA, ethyl acetate and acetone. Nearly odorless and comes in an array of bright, cheerful colors. Also carried at Walmart. $8.

Don’t see your favorite brand above? See how it measures up in the Environmental Working Group’s online database here. Whether you have your nails done at a salon or do them yourself, always use nail polish in a well-ventilated area: in a large space, near an open window or door. Opt for organic or “green” nail salons and feel free to supply your own nail polish.

Is red wine really good for me or do the red wine companies just want me to believe this? Thanks.

Mild to moderate consumption of any sort of alcohol has been linked to numerous health benefits from Alzheimer’s prevention to heart health. Unfortunately, most of these studies have been epidemiological studies, which pretty much means there’s a correlation but you can’t say with certainty that alcohol is beneficial. 

As for the health benefits of red wine – it’s mostly praised for its resveratrol content, which is a polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes and blueberries. Studies suggest that around 20 mg per day of resveratrol can be beneficial. Unfortunately, red wine contains only about 6 mg in an entire liter. Not quite reason enough to drink like a fish.

In short – 1-3 drinks per day isn’t a problem. Red wine is likely the healthiest, but pick your favorite (try to avoid sugary mixed drinks and cocktails), and avoid binge drinking.

What deodorant do you recommend? All the things I’m reading about my current is scaring me. But I seriously need one that is effective. After all, I do live with people. And work with them too.

I like this deodorant.

It only has essential oils, so you don’t have to worry about aluminium, parabens, or other potentially harmful chemicals. Alternatively, I’ve heard good things about just swiping some lemon under your pits.

An interesting thing to note is that the reason the underarms of your shirts can get discolored is not due to sweat – it’s due to the chemical reaction between your sweat and the antiperspirant in your deodorant.

What are your views on veggie bacon? Yay or nay? 

Ingredients in regular bacon: Pork, water, salt, sugar, celery powder

vs. Ingredients in Morning Star Vegetarian Bacon: EGG WHITES, SOYBEAN OIL WITH TBHQ FOR FRESHNESS, TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, WHEAT GLUTEN, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (CORN GLUTEN, WHEAT GLUTEN, SOY), CONTAINS TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF GLYCERIN, SALT, SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SUGAR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS FROM NON-MEAT SOURCES, TORULA YEAST, CARAMEL COLOR, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, MALIC ACID, GUAR GUM, YEAST EXTRACT, LOCUST BEAN AND GUAR GUM, SODIUM SULFITE, CARRAGEENAN, RED #3, DISODIUM INOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, NIACINAMIDE, IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, NONFAT DRY MILK, YELLOW #6, VITAMIN B1 [THIAMIN MONONITRATE], VITAMIN B6 [PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE], VITAMIN B2 [RIBOFLAVIN], CITRIC ACID, CYANOCOBALAMIN.

The Morning Star bacon contains genetically modified soy and corn – both of which are inflammatory, high in omega 6 fatty acids (the kind we get too much of anyway), and the GMO component is potentially harmful as well. It also has sugar, gluten, artificial color, MSG, and carrageenan, all of which have been linked to everything from hyperactivity in children, obesity, inflammation and gut health. I’m not even sure what a handful of the other ingredients even are (disodium guanylate anyone?). 

Always try to avoid artificial/processed fake meats and cheeses. Don’t be afraid to just eat regular bacon, especially if it’s organic – it’s better for you and tastes better too.

I’m interning over at Grass Fed Girl and recently wrote a guest blog post on the following recipe.

What is high in omega 3 fats, protein, and vitamin B12, but doesn’t have a brain?

No, it’s not the Kardashian sisters…

It’s scallops!

The first time I cooked scallops, I covered them in salt and sautéed them until they became so rubbery that they bounced when I dumped them in the garbage. Then I stumbled upon a version of this recipe in the book “Cooking From the Farmers’ Market” by Jodi Liano and Tasha DeSerio. In a short 15 minutes, I created a healthy, delicious and impressive-looking dish. And you can, too! Click here to read the rest!