May 21, 2003 – As fears surrounding mad cow disease resurface, US researchers warn that beef could also increase the risk of breast cancer.
They warn the public against Zeranol, a widely used artificial estrogen administered to animals. In laboratory tests, breast cancer cells mixed with ground meat from animals treated with this product have multiplied up to 30 times faster than what is considered “safe” by the government.
In addition, these researchers found that the fish that inhabit streams near pastures suffer severe damage to the reproductive system, potentially due to hormones found in the water.
It has been known for a while that the absorption of estrogen can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Oral contraceptives (the pill) and hormone replacement therapy (at menopause) both provide extra estrogen.
The US beef industry claims that Zeranol is safe and that the amounts found in meat are thousands of times lower than the level deemed acceptable by US health authorities.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to CBS News, May 21, 2003.
