Is+Ignorance+really+bliss?+Processed+Should+be+Reasssed!

Is ignorance really Bliss? Processed should be reassessed!” Student: Nikki Nicola n8861935 Tutor: Michelle N. media type="youtube" key="S9B7im8aQjo" width="560" height="315" align="center"

** Present your cultural Artefact: ** The artefact above, displays Jamie Oliver’s attempt to educate children on unhealthy food habits. The video presents an experiment conducted by Mr. Oliver himself, showing that children’s most beloved junk chicken nuggets can ultimately be detrimental to ones health. Shockingly the artifact displays how people are now being brainwashed to think such foods are even remotely healthy. The video not only attempts to educate people but also gives an insight on meat production much of which the general public is unaware of. ** Name the public health issue central to you analysis: ** Although meat is nutritious and a great source of protein/iron, studies have shown that red meat in particular can be a leading contributor to chronic diseases/cancers such as coronary heart disease (McCarthy, 2008). In saying that children are more inclined to eat unhealthy types of meat such as sausages, party pies, bacon, ham and salami. These are all processed meats that contain saturated fat and can lead to bowel cancer in the near future. Furthermore, such unhealthy meats can be a major contributor in obesity particularly with younger children. Over 23% of Australian children have been reported to suffer from this disease (Wilson, Campbell & Heskeith 2011). The main public health issue that can be identified is the theory of Macdonalisation, where the main goal is to make a profit (Keel, 2010). These leading companies do not consider the health and wellness of their customers ** Literature review: ** The process of meat production is often unknown to the general public. This ignorance can often be a contributor as to why people are more inclined to follow a more carnivore diet. It is important to recognize that although nutritious, the consumption of meat products should be limited. According to the Australian guide to healthy eating, red meat consumption should be only 3-4 times a week (Weaver, 2013). Red meat is one of the most consumed meats eaten by Australian families. In 2011 an average adult can eat up to 31.4 kg of beef alone, not considering the other options (MLA, 2011). Meat is made up of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It is understood that the amount of fat found in meat is dependant on the feeding process the animal when farmed. Kate Clancy, a nutritionist from the UCS, states that "Grass-fed meat is beef with benefits," and can have more nutritional values than feedlot calves. Although more nutritional, grass fed cows can cost up to 100% more than grain fed cattle. (Williams, 2006) Red meat has more saturated fats than pork or poultry, this does not include the chicken skin. (Valsta, Tapaninen & Mannisto, 2004 ) In relation to processed meats it is understood that they have no health benefits and can lead to chronic diseases in the future. The World cancer research fund provides evidence stating that such meats can often be a contributor in developing cancer in the future (Campbell, 2009) Processed meats such as hams, salamis are all chemically manufactured. These products are fermented with unnatural preservatives such as lactic acids and bacteria. These preservatives are used to make the products last longer. Such probiotic meats can compromise the safety, quality and health benefits of food (Krajewsk & Dolatowski, 2012). The problem with cured meats, such as salami and ham, is that they contain high levels of salt. Although making the meat more tasty and enjoyable to the consumer, it has no health benefits. Unnatural food additives such as food stabilizers MSG are also injected into these products ( Lee,Jin,Noh,&Lee, S. 2011 ). In fact foods higher in salt are major contributors to heart disease and high cholesterol problems. Sausages have been reported to have double the amount of fat than most red meats. Such processed meats contain trans fatty acids (TFA), especially found in fast food meals like the meat patties at MacDonald’s. The overconsumption of TFA can develop health problems. The maximum daily intake of TFA is 1% (2.4g), such fast food meals contain more than the daily-recommended intake (McCarthy, 2008). This is the reason why TFA’s should not be consumed on a daily basis.

Further more studies from PETA suggest that feeding children meat, is essentially feeding them chemicals. It is understood that over time farming practices have changed dramatically. The urge to use pesticides and hormone enhancers are now more common in today’s 21st centaury farming. For example cattle farming has resulted in feedlot factories, which consist of the cows being fed grains to fatten them up quicker ( McGinn, Flesch, Chen, Crenna, Denmead, Naylor& Rowell, 2010). Such grains are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, making the animals grow faster unnaturally (Schutz, Wagner, Sharman Davis & Engle, 2011). Cows are not generated to eat such grains, which is why people are encouraged to buy grass fed beef. The chemicals given to these animals make them very ill. They are then fed antibiotics before they are slaughtered, however, these antibiotics remain in the meat when sold. Essentially feeding the general public chemicals our bodies shouldn’t become accustomed to. Children are more vulnerable when they consume such meats, as their immunity system has yet to fully develop (PETA, 2013). The reason why farmers supplement a variety of drugs into the animals comes down to the theory of Macdonalisation. The bigger and fatter the animal gets the more money it can be sold for. Dr Antonia Demis, a world-renowned researcher from the Food Studies Institute promotes the idea of a meat-free diet for children. A case study was performed where schools around the United States promoted meat free diets in the tuck-shops. The results showed that student’s grades improved immensely. This meat free diet not only improved their mental health but also their physical health (PETA, 2013). It is important that children limit the processed meats they eat. The reason for this is because most meats has little to no nutritional benefits. Feeding children processed meats such as chicken nuggets has proven to actually lower the child’s IQ (2011). The first three years of a child’s life is when the brain develops the most. Michael Nelson quotes “It is possible that good nutrition during this period may encourage optimal brain growth”. The importance of good nutrition not only will affect their mental health but also their ability to perform in school. Such consumption of processed meats is ultimately the main reason children of today’s society are becoming more overweight and obese. This poses health threats such as hypertension. Studies show that 14% of children now suffer from prehypertension. (2013) Hypertension is most common in middle-aged people; the fact that children are now being exposed to this disease is indeed alarming. Furthermore, the imbalance of energy intake in a child’s food consumption in comparison to their exercise regime has studies showing that 23% of children/adolescents are becoming overweight/obese in today’s modern society. Studies from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest children that are obese are more likely to continue to be obese throughout their adulthood (ABS, 2013). Further, 10 years worth of research has shown that children are gradually getting bigger and bigger. Since1995 obesity in Australian boys has risen 7% and in females 18% (ABS 2013)


 * __ Cultural and Social Analysis : __**

There are evidently a number of contributing theories as to why child obesity is occurring and becoming more prevalent due to the consumption of meat, particularly processed meat. So where are these children getting these processed meats from? It is understood that media plays a heavy role in the bad health behaviors made not only by children but also adults. Children aren’t able to make their own food choices and relay on the education their parents provide. Studies have shown that those from a low socioeconomic background develop bad nutrition habits. The idea of the “modern woman” has been considered a contributor as to why healthy habits have suffered. Women are now working more than before, where frozen meals which are processed meats are now becoming a daily meal on the dinner table (Christianson, 2010). Anything that is easy to access, prepare and is cheap will suffice, however the nutritional value is often not considered. Parents often opt for the easy way out, by not providing their children with packed lunches to school but instead relying on tuck-shop facilities or fast food options. Tuck-shops often don’t offer the most nutritious meals. Studies show 58% of meals served at tuck-shops consist of processed meats (Cancer Project, 2008) Many parents wouldn’t even consider the option of their children becoming a vegetarian/ vegan, as it may be deemed socially unacceptable in certain cultures. Western cultures condone children consuming an all-vegan diets because it does not provide children with all the nutritional benefits required. In fact, two decades worth of research, suggest that veganism/vegetarianism, has lowered chances of heart diseases as well as the main issue of obesity ( Hart,2009). Studies suggest that media is the main contributor to high obesity statistics in today’s modern society.

Rarely, do advertisements promote good health, instead advertisements at prime time viewing show a happy family eating in front of the television with some sort of fast food, such as KFC. Further, fast food chains lure children with their advertisements with ‘fun’ products such as the ‘happy meal,’ which is targeted for children and includes a complimentary toy. Children are the main victims to these leading companies, making the fast food chains the main culprits. Parents should become more aware of what they are feeding their children. Furthermore Health providers health food providers need to fix this problem by enticing more healthy food options. Companies such as Lorna Jane show the importance of healthy eating an exercise for ones health. This company is a good example of how media can be used in a positive light. Using Intsagram/Facebook to send the message out about health importance. Health Professionals should educate parents at schools so they are more aware of health risks and the importance that eating healthy at a young age will benefit the child for life.


 * Analysis of the artifact and your own learning reflections **

Overall this artifact represented how society often becomes brainwashed by media. Many people do not consider where or what their food is made of particularly processed meats. Jamie Oliver’s experiment proves that often people don’t care about the health benefits of foods, and that taste/convenience is what ultimately what matters. It is interesting to see the importance of education on ones health status is often lacking, due to time restraints and clever advertising. That with knowledge many people would take second-guess in consuming saturated fat rich meats. Obesity is a major problem in Australian children; often-processed meats are to blame. Advertisements are a main contributor as to why such terrible health behaviors emerge. Is ignorance really bliss? It is safe to say prior to this assignment, I myself was unaware of the process of meat production and how bad it really is for ones health. Is virtually witnessing the act of how meat travels to our dinner plates the only solution?
 * Reflection:**

1. Reflection comment is on the following wiki site http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/Blurred+lines+-+can%27t+we+just+comprehend+the+meaning+of+no%3F

2. Second reflection comment is on this following wiki site: http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/Blame+Rapists%2C+Not+Boobs


 * __ Reference List: __**

ABS.(2013). Overweight/ Obesity. Retrieved from < [] >

Campbell, D. (2009). Children risk cancer by eating salami and ham, warns charity, Retrieved from < [] >

Christianson, J. (2010). Schools struggle to feed kids healthy food. Retrieved from< [] >

Blood pressure; study links chemicals widely found in plastics and processed food to elevated blood pressure in children and teens. (2013). //NewsRx Health & Science,//, 365. Retrieved from < [] >

Hart, J. (2009). The health benefits of a Vegetarian Diet. //Mary Ann Liebert Inc.// 15(2), 64-68. Retrieved from 

Hugo, G., & Franzon, J. (2006). Child Obesity in South Australia: Some Initial Findings.//Food, Culture and Society: An International Journal of Multidisciplinary Reasearch.//9(3), 299-316. Retrieved from < [] >

Keel, R. (2010). The Macdonalisation of Society. Retrieved from 

Krajewska, D.,& Dolatowski, Z. (2012). Probiotic meat products and human nutrition.//Process Biochemistry Journal.//47(12), 1761-1772. Retrieved from < __ [] __ >

Lee, J., Jin, H ., Noh, G., Lee, S. (2011). Effect of processed foods on serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein among children with atopic dermatis. //Journal of Nutrition Research and Practice//, 5, 224-229.doi: [|10.4162/nrp.2011.5.3.224]

Mayo Clinic Staff (2013). How meat and Poultry fit into your healthy diet, Retrieved from < // [] //>

McCarthy, J.,B.Sc (Hons, Barr, D., B.Sc, & Sinclair, A., PhD. (2008). Determination of trans fatty acid levels by FTIR in processed foods in australia. //Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17//(3), 391-6. Retrieved from < [] >

McGinn, S. M., Flesch, T. K., Chen, D., Crenna, B., Denmead, O. T., Naylor, T., & Rowell, D. (2010). Coarse particulate matter emissions from cattle feedlots in australia. //Journal of Environmental Quality, 39//(3), 791-8. Retrieved from < [] >

PETA. (2013). Meat: Not Suitable for Children. Retrieved from < [] >

Processed foods 'lower child's IQ'. (2011). //Coventry Telegraph//. Retrieved from < [] >

Schutz, J. S., Wagner, J. J., PAS, Sharman, E. D., PAS, Davis, N. E., & Engle, T. E., PAS. (2011). Effect of feeding frequency on feedlot steer performance1,2,3. //Professional Animal Scientist, 27//(1), 14-18. Retrieved from 

The cancer project. ( 2008).Processed Meats in Schools: Putting Children at Risk for Cancer, Retrieved from < [] >

Wilson, E., Campbel, K., Hesketh, K., & Silva-Sanigorski, A. (2011). Funding for child obesity prevention in Australia. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health,//35(1), 85-86. Doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00665.x

Valsta,L., Tapaninen, H., & Mannisto,S., (2004). Meat fats in Nutrition. Meat Science Journal, 70(3), 525-530. Retrieved from < [] >