More than 4000 chemicals are used by the food processing industry and it is better to avoid processed foods. If it is not possible use only a minimum of this.

What about hormones? We have natural hormones and synthetic hormones which are used to increase the growth and weight of our domestic animals. Hormones help also to increase the milk production many fold.

The hormones used to increase the meat and milk production include:

• Estradiol
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Melengestrol acetate
• Trenbolone acetate
• Zeranol

Estradiol, testosterone and progesterone are natural hormones and melengestrol acetate, trebolone acetate and zeranol are synthetic hormones. These hormones in food can lead to severe health problems including ovarian cyst and cancer.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of estrogen is no more used to fatten the cattle and chicken as it has cancer causing properties.

In 1981, the European Union prohibited the use of substances having a hormonal action for growth promotion in farm animals. This prohibition applies to Member States and imports from third countries alike.

The genetically modified bovine growth hormone is injected in the cows to increase the milk production. The side effects of this hormone is udder infection causing pus which can later get into the milk. Affected cows are treated with certain special antibiotics which brings more problems.

These hormones cause also environmental problems. The undigested hormones are excreted and in course of time they reach the ground water. Ground water is mostly our drinking water and the devils cycle starts.

Many processed foods contain milk powder and it is very difficult to find out the origin of this. The dairy products from Australia, Japan, European Union and Canada are hormone free. In many countries it is impossible to check whether hormones are used or not.

If you are not sure of the origin of the meat or milk avoid it. Eat processed foods if it is not avoidable. Vegetarian food is a wonderful food and it is worth to think about this.

The farmers are using hormones for their profits only without thinking about the health of millions of people. Only we must be careful to live healthy.