What is animal protein?
Animal protein is derived from meat, fish, and other animal products such as milk. Red meat, poultry, milk, cheese, and other dairy products are rich sources of animal protein.
What is the potential harm of animal protein?
Animal proteins create an internal environment in the body causing a cascade of undesirable physical reactions. Some studies suggest that these factors support an unhealthy terrain that appears to be directly and indirectly linked to cancer risk and cancer development. Research results in The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD analyzed from China indicate a diet that is higher than 10% animal proteins strongly contributes to cancer. Additional similar research is necessary in other locations in the world. Yet additional smaller studies indicate an association between animal proteins and cancer.
What is the association between animal protein and cancer through meats?
- Generates high reactive molecules, or free radicals, that cause DNA damage leading to treatment resistant mutations and promotion of an environment conducive to cancer growth
- Promotes inflammation that feeds cancer growth
- Increases LDL, the bad cholesterol associated with deadly metastases
- Boosts levels of hormones associated with cancer growth1
Cooking meats with grilling, frying, and broiling causes the amino acids to react with a component of muscle called creatine to form cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCA). Longer and hotter cooking temperatures form more HCA. Other compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from carbon-based materials present in charcoal-grilled foods has been linked to cancer risk. Barbequed, grilled, and charred meats have PAHs.
Animal proteins also cause an acid versus alkaline environment in your body related to internal chemistry.
What is the association between animal protein and cancer through dairy?
- Increases LDL, the bad cholesterol
- Increases tumor-stimulating cancer growth factors
- Provides high amounts of calcium that may block Vitamin D storage, which appears crucial to controlling cancer cell division
- Boosts saturated fat levels
- Raises blood sugar levels
- Provides high levels of lactose that may cause digestive problems1
Dairy products contain IGF-1, a tumor growth factor. Studies suggest that long-term consumption of dairy products such as milk may increase levels of 1GF-1 in people contributing to cancer. High milk intake is also linked to increased levels of insulin. Studies indicate an association between dairy consumption and certain types of cancers1-4.
The China Study found that casein, which makes up 87% of cow’s milk protein, promoted all stages of the cancer process.
What is the association between animal protein and cancer through fish?
Fish is considered a healthy high protein, low-fat food with a range of health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids. However, many fish contain high levels of toxins such as mercury. Learn about best choices, ok choices, and worse choices from Environmental Defense Fund.
What else should I know about animal protein?
Some providers recommend animal protein for people with cancer based on their knowledge and specifics through an individualized health care analysis such as blood test results and other reviews. Consider the rationale, experience of the practitioner, and other factors. Animal meats must be organic products from grass-fed animals or from animals with flaxseed in their feed.
For More Information
- Life Over Cancer by Keith Block, MD
- Anticancer by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD
- Integrative Oncology by Donald Abrams, MD and Andy Weil, MD
- The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD & Thomas M. Campbell II
- Environmental Defense Fund
