I got this e-mail from one of my friends. She contacted the company to ask about the ingredients in their cheese products and here is the answer she got.
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.!
All of our domestic products contain bovine milk and microbial (non-animal sourced) rennet with the exception of Ricotta Cheese. This is considered a "rennet less" cheese. The carrageenan, guar gum, modified food starch and distilled vinegar are plant based. Any residual rennet that may be present in the whey used in the production of Ricotta Cheese is microbial (non-animal sourced). Some of our products do contain lipase which is animal sourced (calf, kid or lamb). Lipase is usually found in our more intensely flavored cheeses. The following products do not contain lipase: Baby Swiss, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Gorgonzola, Lorraine, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta, String Cheese and Swiss.
Please note that ingredients or changes in formulations may affect the above information and are subject to change without notice.
If you have any questions please contact us again.
Sincerely,
Sherrie Shallow
Quality Assurance Specialist
Corporate Quality Assurance
Saputo
Showing posts with label The Food We Eat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Food We Eat. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
CABOT CHEESE
I was so happy when I found these cheeses at Sam's Club. Now a new Costco is open in our neighborhood and they also carry Cabot Cheeses. They have a few variety like Vintage Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack... They only use vegetable rennet and are Halal Certified. You can get more information from their website.
www.cabotcheese.com
I know that not every Muslim is concerned about pig sourced enzymes in cheese but I want everybody know that we have more options today and more and more cheese companies are starting to use non-animal enzymes in their products. I am planning to start a poll on enzymes in cheese products. Please vote and also leave a comment on what you think about consuming food products that contain animal sourced enzymes.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
IS FISH SAFE OR NOT TO EAT?
Click to enlarge Fish is generally healthy to eat. But because of the comtaminants found in the oceans, lakes and rivers, eating fish that are contaminated with toxins and chemicals can pose considerable health risks. As we know HALAL has to be healthy so we should be extra careful when it comes to consuming seafood because of the contaminations.
Contaminants may include:
metals such as mercury and lead,
industrial chemicals such as PCBs, and
pesticides such as DDT and dieldrin.
industrial chemicals such as PCBs, and
pesticides such as DDT and dieldrin.
What are the risks of eating seafood contaminated with mercury and PCBs?
Contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and dioxins build up in your body over time and may result in health problems, ranging from small, hard-to-detect changes to birth defects and cancer.
Contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and dioxins build up in your body over time and may result in health problems, ranging from small, hard-to-detect changes to birth defects and cancer.
Key facts about the risks include:
It can take 5 years or more for women in their childbearing years to rid their bodies of PCBs, and 12-18 months to significantly reduce their mercury levels.
Mothers who eat contaminated fish before becoming pregnant may have children who are slower to develop and learn. Developing fetuses are exposed to stored toxins through the placenta.
Women beyond their childbearing years and men face fewer health risks from contaminants than children do.
It can take 5 years or more for women in their childbearing years to rid their bodies of PCBs, and 12-18 months to significantly reduce their mercury levels.
Mothers who eat contaminated fish before becoming pregnant may have children who are slower to develop and learn. Developing fetuses are exposed to stored toxins through the placenta.
Women beyond their childbearing years and men face fewer health risks from contaminants than children do.
What about mercury in canned tuna?
The two most popular types of canned tuna – white and light – vary greatly in their average mercury content. Overall, it’s best to exercise caution in how much tuna you (or especially your children) consume.
Canned white tuna consists of albacore, a large species of tuna that accumulates moderate amounts of mercury. Therefore, Environmental Defense recommends that both adults and children limit their consumption of canned white tuna.
Canned light tuna usually consists of skipjack, a smaller species with approximately one-third the mercury levels of albacore. Therefore, Environmental Defense recommends only that young children (ages 0-6) limit their consumption of canned light tuna.
A word of caution: Some canned light tuna reportedly contains yellowfin tuna, which has similar mercury levels to albacore. These products are sometimes (but not always) labeled ‘gourmet’ or ‘tonno’, and their consumption should be limited by adults and children.
The two most popular types of canned tuna – white and light – vary greatly in their average mercury content. Overall, it’s best to exercise caution in how much tuna you (or especially your children) consume.
Canned white tuna consists of albacore, a large species of tuna that accumulates moderate amounts of mercury. Therefore, Environmental Defense recommends that both adults and children limit their consumption of canned white tuna.
Canned light tuna usually consists of skipjack, a smaller species with approximately one-third the mercury levels of albacore. Therefore, Environmental Defense recommends only that young children (ages 0-6) limit their consumption of canned light tuna.
A word of caution: Some canned light tuna reportedly contains yellowfin tuna, which has similar mercury levels to albacore. These products are sometimes (but not always) labeled ‘gourmet’ or ‘tonno’, and their consumption should be limited by adults and children.
Do the health benefits of omega-3s outweigh the risks associated with contaminants in seafood?
Fish is generally healthy to eat, but there are some types you should eat infrequently, if at all. Consider the following:
For young children and women of childbearing age, consumption of mercury-contaminated fish can severely impact a child's development.
Older women and men may find it an acceptable tradeoff to exceed recommended seafood meal limits to increase their omega-3 intake.
People at high risk of cardiovascular disease must weigh the cancer risk of eating fish high in PCBs with the benefits of eating fish high in omega-3s, in which case the benefits of omega-3s may outweigh the cancer risk (1 in 100,000 - the level recommended by the EPA). However, these chemicals are known to cause serious health problems besides cancer, so the tradeoffs are not simple.
The good news is that there are several low-contaminant, high-omega-3 seafood options available (see the list above) so there’s no need to risk eating contaminated fish.
Fish is generally healthy to eat, but there are some types you should eat infrequently, if at all. Consider the following:
For young children and women of childbearing age, consumption of mercury-contaminated fish can severely impact a child's development.
Older women and men may find it an acceptable tradeoff to exceed recommended seafood meal limits to increase their omega-3 intake.
People at high risk of cardiovascular disease must weigh the cancer risk of eating fish high in PCBs with the benefits of eating fish high in omega-3s, in which case the benefits of omega-3s may outweigh the cancer risk (1 in 100,000 - the level recommended by the EPA). However, these chemicals are known to cause serious health problems besides cancer, so the tradeoffs are not simple.
The good news is that there are several low-contaminant, high-omega-3 seafood options available (see the list above) so there’s no need to risk eating contaminated fish.
Where do contaminants come from?
Contaminants end up in water in a variety of ways:
Industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices, and storm water runoff can all deposit harmful substances directly into the water.
Rain can also wash chemicals from the land or air into streams and rivers. These contaminants are then carried downstream into lakes, reservoirs and estuaries.
Fish take in these substances in several ways, and their contaminant levels depend on factors like species, size, age and location.
Mercury, for example, is naturally converted by bacteria into methylmercury. Fish absorb methylmercury mostly from their food, but also from the water as it passes over their gills. Generally, larger and older fish have had more time to bioaccumulate mercury from their food and the water than smaller and younger fish. In addition, large predatory fish (like sharks and swordfish) near the top of marine food chains are more likely to have high levels of mercury than fish lower in marine food chains due to the process of biomagnification.
Fish can also absorb organic chemicals (such as PCBs, dioxins and DDT) from the water, suspended sediments, and their food. In contaminated areas, bottom-dwelling fish are especially likely to have high levels of such toxins because these substances run off the land and settle to the bottom. These organic chemicals then concentrate in the skin, organs and other fatty tissues of fish. Wild striped bass, bluefish, American eel, and seatrout tend to be high in PCBs, since they are bottom-tending fish often found in contaminated rivers and estuaries.
Contaminants end up in water in a variety of ways:
Industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices, and storm water runoff can all deposit harmful substances directly into the water.
Rain can also wash chemicals from the land or air into streams and rivers. These contaminants are then carried downstream into lakes, reservoirs and estuaries.
Fish take in these substances in several ways, and their contaminant levels depend on factors like species, size, age and location.
Mercury, for example, is naturally converted by bacteria into methylmercury. Fish absorb methylmercury mostly from their food, but also from the water as it passes over their gills. Generally, larger and older fish have had more time to bioaccumulate mercury from their food and the water than smaller and younger fish. In addition, large predatory fish (like sharks and swordfish) near the top of marine food chains are more likely to have high levels of mercury than fish lower in marine food chains due to the process of biomagnification.
Fish can also absorb organic chemicals (such as PCBs, dioxins and DDT) from the water, suspended sediments, and their food. In contaminated areas, bottom-dwelling fish are especially likely to have high levels of such toxins because these substances run off the land and settle to the bottom. These organic chemicals then concentrate in the skin, organs and other fatty tissues of fish. Wild striped bass, bluefish, American eel, and seatrout tend to be high in PCBs, since they are bottom-tending fish often found in contaminated rivers and estuaries.
These are the reasons why we should eat some kinds of fish less frequently if at all. The chart above has the lists for best, OK and worst choices of fish to eat.
Also below is a chart that shows how many servings of certain kinds of fish are safe to eat per month.
Click to enlargeAll information from http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1521
Monday, February 9, 2009
WHAT IS WRONG IN A PRODUCT?
Written by Zaheer Uddin
Why certain products are Haram? What are the reasons? The answer is very simple. There are many ingredients, which are derived or made from a Haram source, like animal fat and alcohol etc. If that Haram ingredient is listed as part of a product then that particular product should be avoided. If a Haram ingredient is less than 2%, then the manufacturer is not obliged to mention that ingredient on the label. In any case, without inquiring with the manufacturer about the source and origin of such ingredient, one cannot make the decision about the status of that product.
BREAD, BAGEL AND ROLLS: May contain animal shortening, animal based mono and diglycerides.
BREAD CRUMBS AND COATING MIXES: May contain animal shortening, animal based mono and diglycerides.
CANDY AND CHOCOLATE: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, gelatin, whey, animal fat, alcohol, animal sourced glycerin and marshmallows.
CEREAL: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, animal shortening, whey and gelatin.
CHEESE: May contain animal enzyme, whey and gelatin.
CHEWING GUM: May contain animal gum base, stearates and animal based glycerin.
COOKIES AND BISCUITS: May contain animal fat, whey, animal based mono and diglycerides and glycerin.
DESSERT AND PUDDING: May contain gelatin, whey, animal based mono and diglycerides.
FISH PRODUCTS: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, whey and animal shortening.
CAKE AND BAKING MIX: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides and animal shortening.
FROZEN AND PACKED DINNER: May contain non-zabiha meat, animal enzyme and animal fat.
ICE CREAM AND SHERBET: May contain animal based mono and diglycerids, gelatin, wine, rum and stearates.
MILK PRODUCTS: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, shortening and marshmallows.
MUSTARD AND SAUCES: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, wine, wine vinegar and cheese made of animal enzyme.
FROZEN PIZZA: May contain animal sourced enzyme, brewer's yeast and animal base in sauce.
SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS: May contain pork collagen and protein.
SOAP: May contain pork tallowate and glycerin.
TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH: May contain pork glycerin and alcohol.
YOGURT: May contain gelatin and animal based mono and diglycerides.
Why certain products are Haram? What are the reasons? The answer is very simple. There are many ingredients, which are derived or made from a Haram source, like animal fat and alcohol etc. If that Haram ingredient is listed as part of a product then that particular product should be avoided. If a Haram ingredient is less than 2%, then the manufacturer is not obliged to mention that ingredient on the label. In any case, without inquiring with the manufacturer about the source and origin of such ingredient, one cannot make the decision about the status of that product.
BREAD, BAGEL AND ROLLS: May contain animal shortening, animal based mono and diglycerides.
BREAD CRUMBS AND COATING MIXES: May contain animal shortening, animal based mono and diglycerides.
CANDY AND CHOCOLATE: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, gelatin, whey, animal fat, alcohol, animal sourced glycerin and marshmallows.
CEREAL: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, animal shortening, whey and gelatin.
CHEESE: May contain animal enzyme, whey and gelatin.
CHEWING GUM: May contain animal gum base, stearates and animal based glycerin.
COOKIES AND BISCUITS: May contain animal fat, whey, animal based mono and diglycerides and glycerin.
DESSERT AND PUDDING: May contain gelatin, whey, animal based mono and diglycerides.
FISH PRODUCTS: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, whey and animal shortening.
CAKE AND BAKING MIX: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides and animal shortening.
FROZEN AND PACKED DINNER: May contain non-zabiha meat, animal enzyme and animal fat.
ICE CREAM AND SHERBET: May contain animal based mono and diglycerids, gelatin, wine, rum and stearates.
MILK PRODUCTS: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, shortening and marshmallows.
MUSTARD AND SAUCES: May contain animal based mono and diglycerides, wine, wine vinegar and cheese made of animal enzyme.
FROZEN PIZZA: May contain animal sourced enzyme, brewer's yeast and animal base in sauce.
SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS: May contain pork collagen and protein.
SOAP: May contain pork tallowate and glycerin.
TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH: May contain pork glycerin and alcohol.
YOGURT: May contain gelatin and animal based mono and diglycerides.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
ORGANIC FOOD
Written by Aise Yigit
In the mind of a shopper, what is the notion of "Halal"? What items do you, as a halal-conscious consumer, add to your shopping cart and what items do you ignore? Since the introduction of genetically manipulated agricultural and animal products, consumers have become more concerned about food purity. Processes used in American slaughterhouses and meat-processing plants are also subject to discussion in this respect. There are different terminologies, which should not lead to any confusion among us. The term "organic" refers to growing and food processing methods that rely on the earth's natural resources.
Pests and weeds are managed using earth-friendly means such as beneficial insects and mechanical controls (California Certified Organic Farmers, 2001). In addition, organic products are regulated and must be certified. The term "all-natural" means food that has undergone minimal processing and contains no preservatives or artificial additives (www.webster.com). And conventional or traditional food processing employs processes that occur in nature, like natural breeding systems of poultry(www.consumersunion.org/food/food.htm).
In this respect, organic food may be fitting in some cases within the standards of the Islamic dietary concept as pure and healthy food. But beware, a certified organic product does not exclude any questionable ingredients for Muslims that might render a food item as non-halal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require food producers and processors to list any ingredient of the product, which comprises less than two percent of the total composition. And in that miniscule two percent, there just might be pork, other organic non-halal meat, or alcohol. So, we advise you to contact the company of the product and ask whether they use any ingredient considered by Muslims as questionable.
One of the most misleading shop items are dairy products, because dairy is supposed to have no other ingredient than milk. Kosher certification might also be misleading, since it does not exclude alcohol as an ingredient. Another important warning concerns vitamins A and D in dairy products. Milk producers claim that "by FDA regulations" these vitamins must be added to (skimmed) milk, producers use various sources like derivatives from pork! Read the contents label and look for safe additives, such as lanolin-based vitamin D and sources of vitamin A derived from palmitic acid from palm oil.
Another drawback for Muslims is that the FDA considers alcohol "Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)". As the alcohol content is often less than two percent of the total composition, it is often not listed in the ingredients, creating a challenge for Muslims residing in the U.S.
As consumers become aware of the current harmful practices in the meat processing and food processing industries, this trend is gaining momentum across the U.S. Many associations, non-profit organizations and food co-ops established among smaller farm owners are struggling to develop niche markets as strong alternatives to the fast-food industry and genetically modified food producers.
What is certified organic?
"Certified organic" means that agricultural products have been grown and processed according to the specific standards of various State and private certification organizations.
Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 to establish national standards for organically produced commodities. This legislation requires that all except the smallest organic growers will have to be certified by a State or private agencyaccredited under national standards developed by USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). An important product of this program is the following notice on the USDA Organic Seal Use issued on April 2001 (Code of Federal Regulations: 2001 7CFR205). We advise you to visit such sites on a regular base and be an active community member.
As fastidious consumers, certified organic food suppliers and serious zabiha farms run by Muslims are the only rescue brigades for halal conscious Muslim consumers. Adherence to purity of what we eat takes more than just reading the ingredients list! We have urged our readers several times that the ingredients list of any product can be very misleading, as it is far from a complete listing of the exact ingredients used to make that product. Another serious drawback of these lists is that the common consumer does not know many terms used. Glycerin, gluteus, natural flavors, acids, emulsifiers and many other terms may be merely a mask for impure microbiotic ingredients in our food.
There are other serious considerations when reviewing the content of foods. For example, does the manufacturer process pork or pork-by products in the same plant? Is the chicken, beef, lamb or veal really 100% chicken, beef, lamb or veal?
According to the Recycler's World the following grades are included in the rendering and protein wastes category: restaurant food wastes, vegetable wastes, fruit wastes, brewer's wastes, bakery wastes, dairy wastes, meat & bone cuttings, cooking fats & greases and other rendering & protein wastes . With regard to meat, blood, bones, intestinal and other residuals from the meat processing cycle are reprocessed and reused as cattle fed or other secondary industry purposes. Briefly, all the residuals may find their way back into our food chain.
Unfortunately, the Muslim business owners are not yet active in all the branches of the Americanized dietary needs of Muslims; lean meals, pizza's, hamburgers, marshmallows and other products. We urge you to be sensitive and eat only what you can identify as pure Islam-sanctioned food.
Or just type one of these words -- organic, natural, conventional, rendering -- or other affiliated words in one of the search engines on the Internet!
URGENT Notice from the National Organic Program (NOP):
On April 23, 2001.
In order to display the USDA seal, an organically grown product must have been certified by an accredited USDA organic certifying agent and be determined to meet the NOP requirements. Consumers should be aware that any organic product packaging currently displaying the USDA seal is in violation of the NOP final rule and should in no way be construed to comply with the production and handling requirements set forth by the NOP. Any alleged use of the USDA seal on an organic product prior to October 21, 2002 will be vigorously investigated by the NOP, and, when violations are found, appropriate sanctions levied.
Source: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/nop2000/nop2/sealuse_notice.htm
In June 2000, the State of New Jersey passed an act called Halal Food Consumer Protection Act.
The State of Illinois has signed into law the Halal Food Act on August 16, 2001.
The State of Minnesota has also passed an act on Halal food.
FDA does not oblige the producer to mention ingredients less than 2% on the ingredients list.
The sale of organic products will likely break $9 billion this year
Alternative Food Habits
There may be many alternatives other than massively offered products by your local supermarket if there is no zabiha store nearby. You can consider organic food companies, Muslim-owned farms and organic farms. Many organic products are available in food stores and try to reach them through their toll-free numbers or via their web sites. Also take the time and drive up to a Muslim-owned farm, see with your own eyes what you are buying and ask the farmer from where he gets his livestock. Visit web sites, which we have listed in the following table or the list with the major popular companies further in this magazine and ask them about their ingredients. At least call and ask the representative whether he or she is familiar with the concept Halal. You will be surprised of the low awareness levels of major companies, which you as a consumer can change!
In the mind of a shopper, what is the notion of "Halal"? What items do you, as a halal-conscious consumer, add to your shopping cart and what items do you ignore? Since the introduction of genetically manipulated agricultural and animal products, consumers have become more concerned about food purity. Processes used in American slaughterhouses and meat-processing plants are also subject to discussion in this respect. There are different terminologies, which should not lead to any confusion among us. The term "organic" refers to growing and food processing methods that rely on the earth's natural resources.
Pests and weeds are managed using earth-friendly means such as beneficial insects and mechanical controls (California Certified Organic Farmers, 2001). In addition, organic products are regulated and must be certified. The term "all-natural" means food that has undergone minimal processing and contains no preservatives or artificial additives (www.webster.com). And conventional or traditional food processing employs processes that occur in nature, like natural breeding systems of poultry(www.consumersunion.org/food/food.htm).
In this respect, organic food may be fitting in some cases within the standards of the Islamic dietary concept as pure and healthy food. But beware, a certified organic product does not exclude any questionable ingredients for Muslims that might render a food item as non-halal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require food producers and processors to list any ingredient of the product, which comprises less than two percent of the total composition. And in that miniscule two percent, there just might be pork, other organic non-halal meat, or alcohol. So, we advise you to contact the company of the product and ask whether they use any ingredient considered by Muslims as questionable.
One of the most misleading shop items are dairy products, because dairy is supposed to have no other ingredient than milk. Kosher certification might also be misleading, since it does not exclude alcohol as an ingredient. Another important warning concerns vitamins A and D in dairy products. Milk producers claim that "by FDA regulations" these vitamins must be added to (skimmed) milk, producers use various sources like derivatives from pork! Read the contents label and look for safe additives, such as lanolin-based vitamin D and sources of vitamin A derived from palmitic acid from palm oil.
Another drawback for Muslims is that the FDA considers alcohol "Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)". As the alcohol content is often less than two percent of the total composition, it is often not listed in the ingredients, creating a challenge for Muslims residing in the U.S.
As consumers become aware of the current harmful practices in the meat processing and food processing industries, this trend is gaining momentum across the U.S. Many associations, non-profit organizations and food co-ops established among smaller farm owners are struggling to develop niche markets as strong alternatives to the fast-food industry and genetically modified food producers.
What is certified organic?
"Certified organic" means that agricultural products have been grown and processed according to the specific standards of various State and private certification organizations.
Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 to establish national standards for organically produced commodities. This legislation requires that all except the smallest organic growers will have to be certified by a State or private agencyaccredited under national standards developed by USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). An important product of this program is the following notice on the USDA Organic Seal Use issued on April 2001 (Code of Federal Regulations: 2001 7CFR205). We advise you to visit such sites on a regular base and be an active community member.
As fastidious consumers, certified organic food suppliers and serious zabiha farms run by Muslims are the only rescue brigades for halal conscious Muslim consumers. Adherence to purity of what we eat takes more than just reading the ingredients list! We have urged our readers several times that the ingredients list of any product can be very misleading, as it is far from a complete listing of the exact ingredients used to make that product. Another serious drawback of these lists is that the common consumer does not know many terms used. Glycerin, gluteus, natural flavors, acids, emulsifiers and many other terms may be merely a mask for impure microbiotic ingredients in our food.
There are other serious considerations when reviewing the content of foods. For example, does the manufacturer process pork or pork-by products in the same plant? Is the chicken, beef, lamb or veal really 100% chicken, beef, lamb or veal?
According to the Recycler's World the following grades are included in the rendering and protein wastes category: restaurant food wastes, vegetable wastes, fruit wastes, brewer's wastes, bakery wastes, dairy wastes, meat & bone cuttings, cooking fats & greases and other rendering & protein wastes . With regard to meat, blood, bones, intestinal and other residuals from the meat processing cycle are reprocessed and reused as cattle fed or other secondary industry purposes. Briefly, all the residuals may find their way back into our food chain.
Unfortunately, the Muslim business owners are not yet active in all the branches of the Americanized dietary needs of Muslims; lean meals, pizza's, hamburgers, marshmallows and other products. We urge you to be sensitive and eat only what you can identify as pure Islam-sanctioned food.
Or just type one of these words -- organic, natural, conventional, rendering -- or other affiliated words in one of the search engines on the Internet!
URGENT Notice from the National Organic Program (NOP):
On April 23, 2001.
In order to display the USDA seal, an organically grown product must have been certified by an accredited USDA organic certifying agent and be determined to meet the NOP requirements. Consumers should be aware that any organic product packaging currently displaying the USDA seal is in violation of the NOP final rule and should in no way be construed to comply with the production and handling requirements set forth by the NOP. Any alleged use of the USDA seal on an organic product prior to October 21, 2002 will be vigorously investigated by the NOP, and, when violations are found, appropriate sanctions levied.
Source: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/nop2000/nop2/sealuse_notice.htm
In June 2000, the State of New Jersey passed an act called Halal Food Consumer Protection Act.
The State of Illinois has signed into law the Halal Food Act on August 16, 2001.
The State of Minnesota has also passed an act on Halal food.
FDA does not oblige the producer to mention ingredients less than 2% on the ingredients list.
The sale of organic products will likely break $9 billion this year
Alternative Food Habits
There may be many alternatives other than massively offered products by your local supermarket if there is no zabiha store nearby. You can consider organic food companies, Muslim-owned farms and organic farms. Many organic products are available in food stores and try to reach them through their toll-free numbers or via their web sites. Also take the time and drive up to a Muslim-owned farm, see with your own eyes what you are buying and ask the farmer from where he gets his livestock. Visit web sites, which we have listed in the following table or the list with the major popular companies further in this magazine and ask them about their ingredients. At least call and ask the representative whether he or she is familiar with the concept Halal. You will be surprised of the low awareness levels of major companies, which you as a consumer can change!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ENZYMES Our Link To Survival
Written by Ibrahim Kazi
"O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy." (2:168)
0 ye who believe! Eat of the good things we have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship." (2:172)
There are three sources of enzymes: vegetable, animal and microbial... The common animal source is either beef or pork...
By definition, enzymes are unique proteins that convert proteins, fats and carbohydrates into structures that facilitate proper bodily functions. In the digestive process, enzymes break down and process proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The human body contains over 1,300 different enzymes that perform the fine tune-up that keeps our body engine running smoothly.
There are three sources of enzymes: vegetable, animal and microbial. Among vegetable sources are papaya, which provides us Papain, pineapple (a source of Bromelain), and malt, which is used in a variety of bakery products. The common animal source is either beef or pork, derived from the animal's stomach or pancreas. The microbial source is either fungal or bacterial.
Enzymes derived from animal sources are known as Pancreatin or Tripsin. In bakery applications, enzymes increase the volume of bread, improve crumb structure and retard spoilage. Most enzymes used in the food industry are fungal, derived from plant sources such as Aspergillus, or otherwise bacterial. Contrary to common belief, enzymes derived of animal sources are seldom used in the bakery industry.
For your reference, the names and phone numbers of companies that manufacture enzymes are listed below. If you are in doubt concerning enzymatic ingredients in the foods your family consumes, feel free to call the technical services of any enzyme manufacturer and inquire if it is a plant or animal source, and in which products is it used. You might represent yourself as a "halal-conscious Muslim", which will serve to educate that company of the dietary needs of Muslims.
A common questionable enzyme source
We should bear in mind that neither all enzymes are Haram or Halal. Cheese is the best example of an enzyme-efficient food product that is questionable with respect to the Muslim consumer. Enzymes are used in cheese manufacturing to form the curd. Most cheese companies claim that they are using microbial rennet. However, in order to make the microbial rennet they use culture media, mother culture (created from milk, whey, Pancreatin, Lactose and dried autolyzed yeast) and enzymes such as Lipases derived from pork or beef animal sources. Most cheese manufacturers cannot guarantee that the source of the culture is not pork, creating significant concern for Muslim consumers regarding cheese production.
American Ingredients Co.
Uni- Malt- Cereal Malt
Eversoft , Eversoft Plus-Bacterial Fungal Amylase
800-669-4092
Cain Foods
Amflex- Fungal Amylase
214-630-4511
Enzyme Development Corp.
Fresh-N- Bacterial Amylase
212-736-1580
Novo Nordisk
Fungamyl, BAN, Novamyl- Fungal Amylase
800-879-6686
Quest International
Biobake- Fungal Amylase
847-645-7000
Rohm
Veron- Fungal Amylase
732-560-6845
Lallemand
Fermaid- Protease, Pentosenase Fungal Amylase
603-432-4006
J.R.Short
Sunlite 1102-Fungal Amylase, Wytase
Soy Flour- Protase, Fungal Amylase
800-544-8734
Again, the solution is to call the cheese manufacturer and speak to their technical services or consumer affairs department. If they are unable to provide a clear answer regarding the source of the enzyme, ask them to research your inquiry and contact you, explaining that this issue is of concern to many people.
When in doubt ...
Righteously speaking, if you have any doubt in your mind about the food you plan to eat; then the best course of action is to postpone its consumption until your research is complete. Enzymes are important for our bodies, and sufficient enzyme level is a vital factor that leads to overall good health. But if we are doubtful regarding synthetic enzymes, we should put our trust in Allah (SWT), Who created varieties of foods for our sustenance. Through His Mercy, all creatures have been provided with nutrition specific to their individual needs. He "Almighty" has provided us with naturally occurring enzymes in the many fruits and vegetables we consume daily. So let's enjoy the good that He has provided us and be thankful for His bounties.
"O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy." (2:168)
0 ye who believe! Eat of the good things we have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship." (2:172)
There are three sources of enzymes: vegetable, animal and microbial... The common animal source is either beef or pork...
By definition, enzymes are unique proteins that convert proteins, fats and carbohydrates into structures that facilitate proper bodily functions. In the digestive process, enzymes break down and process proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The human body contains over 1,300 different enzymes that perform the fine tune-up that keeps our body engine running smoothly.
There are three sources of enzymes: vegetable, animal and microbial. Among vegetable sources are papaya, which provides us Papain, pineapple (a source of Bromelain), and malt, which is used in a variety of bakery products. The common animal source is either beef or pork, derived from the animal's stomach or pancreas. The microbial source is either fungal or bacterial.
Enzymes derived from animal sources are known as Pancreatin or Tripsin. In bakery applications, enzymes increase the volume of bread, improve crumb structure and retard spoilage. Most enzymes used in the food industry are fungal, derived from plant sources such as Aspergillus, or otherwise bacterial. Contrary to common belief, enzymes derived of animal sources are seldom used in the bakery industry.
For your reference, the names and phone numbers of companies that manufacture enzymes are listed below. If you are in doubt concerning enzymatic ingredients in the foods your family consumes, feel free to call the technical services of any enzyme manufacturer and inquire if it is a plant or animal source, and in which products is it used. You might represent yourself as a "halal-conscious Muslim", which will serve to educate that company of the dietary needs of Muslims.
A common questionable enzyme source
We should bear in mind that neither all enzymes are Haram or Halal. Cheese is the best example of an enzyme-efficient food product that is questionable with respect to the Muslim consumer. Enzymes are used in cheese manufacturing to form the curd. Most cheese companies claim that they are using microbial rennet. However, in order to make the microbial rennet they use culture media, mother culture (created from milk, whey, Pancreatin, Lactose and dried autolyzed yeast) and enzymes such as Lipases derived from pork or beef animal sources. Most cheese manufacturers cannot guarantee that the source of the culture is not pork, creating significant concern for Muslim consumers regarding cheese production.
American Ingredients Co.
Uni- Malt- Cereal Malt
Eversoft , Eversoft Plus-Bacterial Fungal Amylase
800-669-4092
Cain Foods
Amflex- Fungal Amylase
214-630-4511
Enzyme Development Corp.
Fresh-N- Bacterial Amylase
212-736-1580
Novo Nordisk
Fungamyl, BAN, Novamyl- Fungal Amylase
800-879-6686
Quest International
Biobake- Fungal Amylase
847-645-7000
Rohm
Veron- Fungal Amylase
732-560-6845
Lallemand
Fermaid- Protease, Pentosenase Fungal Amylase
603-432-4006
J.R.Short
Sunlite 1102-Fungal Amylase, Wytase
Soy Flour- Protase, Fungal Amylase
800-544-8734
Again, the solution is to call the cheese manufacturer and speak to their technical services or consumer affairs department. If they are unable to provide a clear answer regarding the source of the enzyme, ask them to research your inquiry and contact you, explaining that this issue is of concern to many people.
When in doubt ...
Righteously speaking, if you have any doubt in your mind about the food you plan to eat; then the best course of action is to postpone its consumption until your research is complete. Enzymes are important for our bodies, and sufficient enzyme level is a vital factor that leads to overall good health. But if we are doubtful regarding synthetic enzymes, we should put our trust in Allah (SWT), Who created varieties of foods for our sustenance. Through His Mercy, all creatures have been provided with nutrition specific to their individual needs. He "Almighty" has provided us with naturally occurring enzymes in the many fruits and vegetables we consume daily. So let's enjoy the good that He has provided us and be thankful for His bounties.
Friday, January 23, 2009
THE MEAT THAT WE EAT IN US
Written by BY MEHMET CALICIOGLU, PH.D.
We should encourage ourselves to buy and consume Halal meat. First, there is no guarantee that the regular meat comes from an animal slaughtered by a believer of the true God, even if your argument is "Muslims are allowed to eat meat slaughtered by the book of people"
1. We heard animals are stunned before slaughter. What is stunning anyway? Stunning is procedure to render food animals unconscious before slaughter using captive bold, electrical current, or carbon dioxide chambers, Stunned animals enter to a stage varying from coma to deep anesthesia depending on the method of stunning applied.
2. Is stunning mandatory in the US? Yes. Stunning is mandated by the "Humane Slaughter Act" (Code of Federal Register, 9) for all federal and state inspected commercial slaughterhouses. However, Halal and Kosher slaughters are exempt from this regulation.
3. Can animals die from stunning before slaughter?
On average, it takes approximately 3 minutes for cattle to die due to cardiac arrest or severe brain hemorrhage. This time period is usually sufficient for slaughter (cutting the blood vessels). Animals are shackled, hoisted, and slaughtered within 15-20 second following stunning. Animals may die before slaughter, if stunning is inappropriately done. However, these animals are detected during viscera inspection (presence of blood clots in the heart and large vessels) due to insufficient bleeding and removed from the food chain.
4. Is there any difference between stunned and not stunned animals relative to the amount of blood left in their bodies? There is no significant difference. Regardless of stunning, slaughter cause increased stress to animal and increased blood pressure. This may result in rupture of capillary arteries and some small-blood collections so called "blood splash" may occur in the muscle. In fact, several reports indicated that incidence of blood splash in ritual slaughter (e.g., 3-10 %) was higher than in stunned animals (e.g., 0.5%).
5. If so, why the pre-packaged meat cuts in the market looks bloody appearance (bright red color, red fluid at the bottom of the package)?
This has nothing to do with blood. First, it is well documented that cherry-red color is the most desired aspect of meat to American consumers. Large vacuum packaged meat chunks so called "sub prime cuts" are cut into stakes on the back processing room of a food market, packaged, and incubated in an oxygen-rich cold room overnight. During this incubation, chemical state of myoglobin, a pigment substance in muscle cells similar to hemoglobin of blood, changes form methmyoglobin (brown-greenish color) to oxymyoglobin (cherry-red color) which the desired color. Second, the bloody looking fluid is not blood; if it was, it would form blood clot. This fluid is called "meat drip" or "meat juice". Muscle tissue has approximately 60-65% water. And majority of water is in the cells. After slaughter, animal carcass goes through a serious of metabolic changes during chilling (post-mortem changes) in which muscle tissue changes tomeat. As a result of these changes, and handling by people, muscle cells ruptures and intracellular water goes out and accumulates at the bottom of the package. Since myoglobin is a water-soluble compound, it also comes out with water resulting in a red blood looking fluid. You can observe the same thing when you thaw frozen meat, for example ground beef, in you microwave. During fast-thawing, more cells are ruptured and you may observe even more drip. This fluid is nutritiously very valuable since it contains proteins.
6. Halal meat and meat products are not very commonly sold yet. Everything seems fine with meat from conventionally slaughtered (stunned) animals so far. Can Muslims buy meat from food markets?
This question requires expertise in fiqh and subject to reviews and discussions elsewhere. But it should be noted that there is no regulation in the US requiring that butchers who are making the first cut to be a believer of three major religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity). It is quite possible that the butcher can be an atheist, or a member of a religion that does not have a true God. It is clear that Muslims are not allowed to eat meat from an animal slaughtered by an atheist.
We should encourage ourselves to buy and consume Halal meat for two reasons. First, there is no guarantee that the regular meat comes from an animal slaughtered by a believer of the true God, even if your argument is "Muslims are allowed to eat meat slaughtered by the book of people". Second, Halal meat industry is a young industry that need a lot of support from its consumers (100% of them are Muslims) to survive and serve Muslims in the US.
We should encourage ourselves to buy and consume Halal meat. First, there is no guarantee that the regular meat comes from an animal slaughtered by a believer of the true God, even if your argument is "Muslims are allowed to eat meat slaughtered by the book of people"
1. We heard animals are stunned before slaughter. What is stunning anyway? Stunning is procedure to render food animals unconscious before slaughter using captive bold, electrical current, or carbon dioxide chambers, Stunned animals enter to a stage varying from coma to deep anesthesia depending on the method of stunning applied.
2. Is stunning mandatory in the US? Yes. Stunning is mandated by the "Humane Slaughter Act" (Code of Federal Register, 9) for all federal and state inspected commercial slaughterhouses. However, Halal and Kosher slaughters are exempt from this regulation.
3. Can animals die from stunning before slaughter?
On average, it takes approximately 3 minutes for cattle to die due to cardiac arrest or severe brain hemorrhage. This time period is usually sufficient for slaughter (cutting the blood vessels). Animals are shackled, hoisted, and slaughtered within 15-20 second following stunning. Animals may die before slaughter, if stunning is inappropriately done. However, these animals are detected during viscera inspection (presence of blood clots in the heart and large vessels) due to insufficient bleeding and removed from the food chain.
4. Is there any difference between stunned and not stunned animals relative to the amount of blood left in their bodies? There is no significant difference. Regardless of stunning, slaughter cause increased stress to animal and increased blood pressure. This may result in rupture of capillary arteries and some small-blood collections so called "blood splash" may occur in the muscle. In fact, several reports indicated that incidence of blood splash in ritual slaughter (e.g., 3-10 %) was higher than in stunned animals (e.g., 0.5%).
5. If so, why the pre-packaged meat cuts in the market looks bloody appearance (bright red color, red fluid at the bottom of the package)?
This has nothing to do with blood. First, it is well documented that cherry-red color is the most desired aspect of meat to American consumers. Large vacuum packaged meat chunks so called "sub prime cuts" are cut into stakes on the back processing room of a food market, packaged, and incubated in an oxygen-rich cold room overnight. During this incubation, chemical state of myoglobin, a pigment substance in muscle cells similar to hemoglobin of blood, changes form methmyoglobin (brown-greenish color) to oxymyoglobin (cherry-red color) which the desired color. Second, the bloody looking fluid is not blood; if it was, it would form blood clot. This fluid is called "meat drip" or "meat juice". Muscle tissue has approximately 60-65% water. And majority of water is in the cells. After slaughter, animal carcass goes through a serious of metabolic changes during chilling (post-mortem changes) in which muscle tissue changes tomeat. As a result of these changes, and handling by people, muscle cells ruptures and intracellular water goes out and accumulates at the bottom of the package. Since myoglobin is a water-soluble compound, it also comes out with water resulting in a red blood looking fluid. You can observe the same thing when you thaw frozen meat, for example ground beef, in you microwave. During fast-thawing, more cells are ruptured and you may observe even more drip. This fluid is nutritiously very valuable since it contains proteins.
6. Halal meat and meat products are not very commonly sold yet. Everything seems fine with meat from conventionally slaughtered (stunned) animals so far. Can Muslims buy meat from food markets?
This question requires expertise in fiqh and subject to reviews and discussions elsewhere. But it should be noted that there is no regulation in the US requiring that butchers who are making the first cut to be a believer of three major religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity). It is quite possible that the butcher can be an atheist, or a member of a religion that does not have a true God. It is clear that Muslims are not allowed to eat meat from an animal slaughtered by an atheist.
We should encourage ourselves to buy and consume Halal meat for two reasons. First, there is no guarantee that the regular meat comes from an animal slaughtered by a believer of the true God, even if your argument is "Muslims are allowed to eat meat slaughtered by the book of people". Second, Halal meat industry is a young industry that need a lot of support from its consumers (100% of them are Muslims) to survive and serve Muslims in the US.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
STANDARD FOR PURITY: HALAL
Written by Maria Hussain
The new concept is that "Halal" should not only refer to a ritualized method of slaughter, but a standard of purity, as recommended by the Qur'an.
In the years that Muslims have been gaining awareness and self confidence about practicing their religion in America, the discussion of Halal meat has gone through various phases. When the immigrant community was new, Halal meat was not available, so the Muslims usually bought their meat from Kosher butchers when possible, and the general assumption was, "If it's not pork, then it's Halal." As time passed, awareness grew about the religious specifications of zabiha slaughter: that it must be done with the name of Allah, with a sharp blade. Halal meat stores opened up all over the country, assuring their customers that the Halal meat is from a ritually slaughtered animal.
Now, we are entering a new phase of awareness in our progress as Muslims in America. The health, safety, and ethical concerns of the new generation of American Muslim consumers need to be addressed also. The new concept is that "Halal" should not only refer to a ritualized method of slaughter, but a standard of purity, as recommended by the Quran. (" 0, you messengers! Enjoy (all) good and the pure things and do righteous deeds. Surely, I know what you do. (23:51) "Eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allaah, in Whom you believe" 5:88)
The educated Muslim consumer now insists that Halal meat should be better than other meat(s). The entire production process from the beginning to the end should be characterized by purity, cleanliness, and humane treatment of animals. Cows or chickens should not be kept confined to stand in their own excrement, but they should be allowed to roam freely, grazing on grass and grain as God
intended. Their food should not be mixed with toxic chemicals or the remains of dead animals, as is currently the norm.
The Halal meat processing companies have a responsibility to monitor the ways in which the farm animals are being raised, not only to choose the cheapest animal for sale. The transportation of the animals to the slaughter house must take into account the animals' need for food, water, rest, and exercise, and the distance of travel should be kept to a minimum. The standard practice of trucking animals across the country without stopping, so that many of them arrive at the slaughterhouse dead or half-dead, is not Islamically acceptable. During slaughter also, the strict Islamic guidelines must be followed - the animal should not be dangled upside-down for extended periods of time, nor must the animal be allowed to watch its friends and relatives be slaughtered before meeting its own end.
Also important is the awareness of the importance of cleanliness and sanitary habits, both in the slaughterhouse and in the meat store. Knives must be clean, the meat should stay refrigerated, and kept covered. Unfortunately, many Halal meat stores do not even take care to keep blood from dripping where it does not belong.
Higher standards of animal feed, ethical treatment of animals, and sanitary processing will prevent many possible diseases and result in a better-tasting meat as well. So far, a hand full of companies in America have taken the initiative by making the extra effort to provide
Halal meat products available to the Muslim consumer. However, it is necessary for these companies to gain the trust and respect of the shoppers. Additionally, Muslims need increased knowledge about what they are eating. Carefulness, mercy, and purity in food are essential to the development of a truly Islamic personal character.
Ideally, the concept of Halal as pure should become the norm, so that even non-Muslims could trust Muslims for high-quality, natural food, just like Muslims should set the standards for just weights and measurements, prompt payment of debts, and other honest business practices. This ideal may seem like a long way off, but supporting sincere Muslim businesspeople is a necessary first step.
How can the consumer know which businesses are truly ethical? We need a trusted body to act as a middleman between the Muslim community and Muslim businesses to ensure the Islamic guidelines are being followed. A Halal certification body must employ persons with expert scientific knowledge and higher education to keep up with the latest advances in farming techniques, in order to be able to determine if they are Halal or not. Islamic organizations should actively promote the idea of food purity but they should not be directly involved in certification because they do not have the time or the expertise to handle the responsibility.
This certification agency should not be fully sponsored by business, nor should it be dependent on national umbrella organizations who do not have food issues as their main focus. It requires the support of grassroots efforts from the local communities.
Perhaps the organization of consumer buying clubs could be established for this purpose. By working together to encourage the formation of an independent Halal certification agency whose primary focus is monitoring quality -not making sales - we can all step forward into a new era of successful Islamic business practice in America.
Questions to ask when you call food manufacturers or your local food supplier:
Can you verify or confirm that the meat are selling comes from animals fed free of animal by products, drugs or hormones?
Reason: For a long time, animal-by products or rendered animal remainings have been used or mixed in animal feed as a protein supplement. This is in regard to beef, lamb or diary products.
Would you confirm that animal-by products are not in your products?
Reason: Almost all of the processed food in North America may have ingredients with untraceable sources. In some cases the source animal can be pork, chicken, cow or remainings of them. Even for the animals that are Islamically allowed to be eaten, zabiha slaughtering can not be assured.
Does your product contain alcohol?
Reason: A vast majority of processed food contains alcohol, even if it is not explictely listed on the ingredient list. For instance, if alcohol is not used in the process, it might be used as a flavor enhancer.
Can you confirm that animal-by products and alcohol are not used even less than 2%?
Reason: Food manufacturers are not required by law (FDA) to list any ingredient that is used less than 2%.
Have you or your supplier fed the animals with or used in the process any of drugs, herniones, antibiotics or other chemicals?
Reason: Although antibiotics, hormones or other drugs or chemichals are merely used in food processing and/or in animal feeds, it is more likely to see them having a secondary or tertiary effect on us. Different studies have proven that, by using antibiotics in feed of animlas or in the processed foods, are causing bacteria to gain resistancy. This might mean that via this process we will have stronger or more resistant bacteria surrounding us which may be life treathening for future generations or even now!
The new concept is that "Halal" should not only refer to a ritualized method of slaughter, but a standard of purity, as recommended by the Qur'an.
In the years that Muslims have been gaining awareness and self confidence about practicing their religion in America, the discussion of Halal meat has gone through various phases. When the immigrant community was new, Halal meat was not available, so the Muslims usually bought their meat from Kosher butchers when possible, and the general assumption was, "If it's not pork, then it's Halal." As time passed, awareness grew about the religious specifications of zabiha slaughter: that it must be done with the name of Allah, with a sharp blade. Halal meat stores opened up all over the country, assuring their customers that the Halal meat is from a ritually slaughtered animal.
Now, we are entering a new phase of awareness in our progress as Muslims in America. The health, safety, and ethical concerns of the new generation of American Muslim consumers need to be addressed also. The new concept is that "Halal" should not only refer to a ritualized method of slaughter, but a standard of purity, as recommended by the Quran. (" 0, you messengers! Enjoy (all) good and the pure things and do righteous deeds. Surely, I know what you do. (23:51) "Eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allaah, in Whom you believe" 5:88)
The educated Muslim consumer now insists that Halal meat should be better than other meat(s). The entire production process from the beginning to the end should be characterized by purity, cleanliness, and humane treatment of animals. Cows or chickens should not be kept confined to stand in their own excrement, but they should be allowed to roam freely, grazing on grass and grain as God
intended. Their food should not be mixed with toxic chemicals or the remains of dead animals, as is currently the norm.
The Halal meat processing companies have a responsibility to monitor the ways in which the farm animals are being raised, not only to choose the cheapest animal for sale. The transportation of the animals to the slaughter house must take into account the animals' need for food, water, rest, and exercise, and the distance of travel should be kept to a minimum. The standard practice of trucking animals across the country without stopping, so that many of them arrive at the slaughterhouse dead or half-dead, is not Islamically acceptable. During slaughter also, the strict Islamic guidelines must be followed - the animal should not be dangled upside-down for extended periods of time, nor must the animal be allowed to watch its friends and relatives be slaughtered before meeting its own end.
Also important is the awareness of the importance of cleanliness and sanitary habits, both in the slaughterhouse and in the meat store. Knives must be clean, the meat should stay refrigerated, and kept covered. Unfortunately, many Halal meat stores do not even take care to keep blood from dripping where it does not belong.
Higher standards of animal feed, ethical treatment of animals, and sanitary processing will prevent many possible diseases and result in a better-tasting meat as well. So far, a hand full of companies in America have taken the initiative by making the extra effort to provide
Halal meat products available to the Muslim consumer. However, it is necessary for these companies to gain the trust and respect of the shoppers. Additionally, Muslims need increased knowledge about what they are eating. Carefulness, mercy, and purity in food are essential to the development of a truly Islamic personal character.
Ideally, the concept of Halal as pure should become the norm, so that even non-Muslims could trust Muslims for high-quality, natural food, just like Muslims should set the standards for just weights and measurements, prompt payment of debts, and other honest business practices. This ideal may seem like a long way off, but supporting sincere Muslim businesspeople is a necessary first step.
How can the consumer know which businesses are truly ethical? We need a trusted body to act as a middleman between the Muslim community and Muslim businesses to ensure the Islamic guidelines are being followed. A Halal certification body must employ persons with expert scientific knowledge and higher education to keep up with the latest advances in farming techniques, in order to be able to determine if they are Halal or not. Islamic organizations should actively promote the idea of food purity but they should not be directly involved in certification because they do not have the time or the expertise to handle the responsibility.
This certification agency should not be fully sponsored by business, nor should it be dependent on national umbrella organizations who do not have food issues as their main focus. It requires the support of grassroots efforts from the local communities.
Perhaps the organization of consumer buying clubs could be established for this purpose. By working together to encourage the formation of an independent Halal certification agency whose primary focus is monitoring quality -not making sales - we can all step forward into a new era of successful Islamic business practice in America.
Questions to ask when you call food manufacturers or your local food supplier:
Can you verify or confirm that the meat are selling comes from animals fed free of animal by products, drugs or hormones?
Reason: For a long time, animal-by products or rendered animal remainings have been used or mixed in animal feed as a protein supplement. This is in regard to beef, lamb or diary products.
Would you confirm that animal-by products are not in your products?
Reason: Almost all of the processed food in North America may have ingredients with untraceable sources. In some cases the source animal can be pork, chicken, cow or remainings of them. Even for the animals that are Islamically allowed to be eaten, zabiha slaughtering can not be assured.
Does your product contain alcohol?
Reason: A vast majority of processed food contains alcohol, even if it is not explictely listed on the ingredient list. For instance, if alcohol is not used in the process, it might be used as a flavor enhancer.
Can you confirm that animal-by products and alcohol are not used even less than 2%?
Reason: Food manufacturers are not required by law (FDA) to list any ingredient that is used less than 2%.
Have you or your supplier fed the animals with or used in the process any of drugs, herniones, antibiotics or other chemicals?
Reason: Although antibiotics, hormones or other drugs or chemichals are merely used in food processing and/or in animal feeds, it is more likely to see them having a secondary or tertiary effect on us. Different studies have proven that, by using antibiotics in feed of animlas or in the processed foods, are causing bacteria to gain resistancy. This might mean that via this process we will have stronger or more resistant bacteria surrounding us which may be life treathening for future generations or even now!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
COMPARISON OF HALAL AND KOSHER
Click on the picture to enlargeWritten by DR. M. CHAUDRY
Are you aware of the following about the Kosher Food?
In the Kosher system, alcohol is permitted. Alcohol could be found in food products that are certified Kosher. Products containing alcohol are clearly Haram for Muslim consumption and cannot be considered Halal. (We will leave the issue of the use of alcohol as a solvent or extracting agent for a future article. You can read it in the next issue of HalalPAK).
Foods that are cooked in wine or that contain wine or other alcoholic beverages can be Kosher but cannot be Halal. So for Kosher food items not containing meat, we must be sure the ingredients are acceptable before we can consume them. Once we confirm the item contains no prohibited ingredients, we can consume it because it is Halal, not because it is Kosher. The fact that it may also be Kosher is incidental.
As to the fact that the kosher lobby is working hard to sell kosher foods to Muslims, this should not surprise us. The entire Jewish population is 14-15 million in the world with about 4-5 million in the United States. Many, if not most of this total, do not adhere to the kosher requirements. This market size cannot justify many kosher products so in order to justify them; they must increase the market size by adding the Muslim Population.
The Kosher organizations have cleverly determined that they can suggest to the food industry that Muslims can eat kosher foods. Since the Global Muslim population is 1.3 billion, with about 8 million in the United States, this gives them much more clout to sell kosher services. (You will note, there are almost 100 times more Muslims than Jews, and the Muslims are much more adherent to Halal requirements than the Jews are to Kosher requirements.) According to some surveys done by independent organizations only 19% of Jews care about the kosher food versus to 79% Muslims care about the Halal food.
Unfortunately, some Muslims have fallen prey to the argument that kosher food is Halal and that has been used to further the false propaganda. This has served to make Kosher foods much more economical. An example of this is kosher beef. Under Kosher requirements, the hindquarter of the animal cannot be Kosher unless the sciatic nerve is removed. This is a costly process and would prohibitively increase the cost of kosher beef. Kosher producers have worked hard to market the hindquarter of a kosher animal to Muslims. By doing this, they can sell the hind quarter at a premium, save the expense of removing the sciatic nerve and reduce the cost of the front quarter for their consumption.
We Muslims must wake up and adhere to our requirements. When we do that, we will enjoy greater blessings and peace. We do not begrudge others earning a living or optimizing the use of resources. However, we cannot make compromises in our requirements and we must look for ways to satisfy our needs. We need to be more careful about the kosher foods and let the food producers know we need Halal foods.
Monday, January 19, 2009
FOODS OF THE PROPHET: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Written by Karima Burns, MH, ND
Contemporary Muslims often turn to books and magazines to find out what foods will make them healthy, however, the Qur'an and Hadith have provided many of foods that should be included in the ideal diet. The Koran (55:68) says that "fruits, palm trees and pomegranates" were provided for our nourishment. Sahib Bukhari states that melon was among one of the fruits most often eaten by the Prophet (s), rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. The body uses potassium to help eliminate excess sodium, which in large amounts can cause blood pressure to rise while keeping the body's LDL (dangerous fvom stkkiy~g to the artery walls. Melons also provide a very rare nutrient called folate, a B vitamin, which is essential in combating birth defects and heart disease.
Citrus
Citrus is also a favored fruit of the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet has said, "The parable of a believer who reads the Koran regularly is like that of a citrus: it has a good taste and a good fragrance". All citrus is packed with vitamin C, is famed for its powerful antioxidant properties (meaning that it disarms powerful oxygen molecules in the body that contribute to cancer and heart disease). The body also uses vitamin C to manufacture collagen; the substance that glues cells together and is essential for healing.
Hesperidin, found in oranges has been found by Brazilian researchers to stop inflammation without damaging the stomach lining as aspirin can. Oranges also contain limonene, which according to Michael Gould, PhD., and professor of human oncology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School "cause cancer cells to self-destruct."
The Koran mentions grapes alone six times. In fact, grape juice has recently been found to be an important source of flavanoids that can lower risk for cancer, lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and fight heart disease.
Squash
Squash, mentioned by the Prophet (s), contains such a rich array of vitamins and minerals and other compounds that scientists have just begun to map its healing power. They have concluded squash is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene (25% and 66% respectively). Scientists have found that people who have more vitamin C in the diets over time have fewer lung ailments as the vitamin gets transported to the lining of the lung and serves as an antioxidant there.
Dried Fruits
Even dried fruits are beneficial according to the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet (s) mentioned figs and then stated, "If I had to mention a fruit that descended from paradise I would say this is it, because the paradisiacal fruits do not have pits... eat from these fruits for they prevent hemorrhoids, piles and gout" (Bukhari).
Figs
Figs are a top source of fiber, as well as potassium and vitamin B6. Fiber results in bulkier stools, which lessen the incidence of constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer. Fiber also lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Just one fig provides 20% of the USRDA of fiber. A Harvard University study of 43,757 men ages 40 to 75 found that those who got the most fiber had about half the risk of getting a heart attack as those who got the least. Furthermore, men who added just 10 grams of fiber a day to their diet (6 figs) lowered their incidence of heart disease by 30%. This could also be why fibrous dates are another favored food of the Prophet (s).
As Muslims we are wise to include these foods in our diet. Allah has blessed us with many good foods and in the Koran (7:160) it says "Eat of the good foods We have provided for you."
Contemporary Muslims often turn to books and magazines to find out what foods will make them healthy, however, the Qur'an and Hadith have provided many of foods that should be included in the ideal diet. The Koran (55:68) says that "fruits, palm trees and pomegranates" were provided for our nourishment. Sahib Bukhari states that melon was among one of the fruits most often eaten by the Prophet (s), rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. The body uses potassium to help eliminate excess sodium, which in large amounts can cause blood pressure to rise while keeping the body's LDL (dangerous fvom stkkiy~g to the artery walls. Melons also provide a very rare nutrient called folate, a B vitamin, which is essential in combating birth defects and heart disease.
Citrus
Citrus is also a favored fruit of the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet has said, "The parable of a believer who reads the Koran regularly is like that of a citrus: it has a good taste and a good fragrance". All citrus is packed with vitamin C, is famed for its powerful antioxidant properties (meaning that it disarms powerful oxygen molecules in the body that contribute to cancer and heart disease). The body also uses vitamin C to manufacture collagen; the substance that glues cells together and is essential for healing.
Hesperidin, found in oranges has been found by Brazilian researchers to stop inflammation without damaging the stomach lining as aspirin can. Oranges also contain limonene, which according to Michael Gould, PhD., and professor of human oncology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School "cause cancer cells to self-destruct."
The Koran mentions grapes alone six times. In fact, grape juice has recently been found to be an important source of flavanoids that can lower risk for cancer, lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and fight heart disease.
Squash
Squash, mentioned by the Prophet (s), contains such a rich array of vitamins and minerals and other compounds that scientists have just begun to map its healing power. They have concluded squash is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene (25% and 66% respectively). Scientists have found that people who have more vitamin C in the diets over time have fewer lung ailments as the vitamin gets transported to the lining of the lung and serves as an antioxidant there.
Dried Fruits
Even dried fruits are beneficial according to the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet (s) mentioned figs and then stated, "If I had to mention a fruit that descended from paradise I would say this is it, because the paradisiacal fruits do not have pits... eat from these fruits for they prevent hemorrhoids, piles and gout" (Bukhari).
Figs
Figs are a top source of fiber, as well as potassium and vitamin B6. Fiber results in bulkier stools, which lessen the incidence of constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer. Fiber also lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Just one fig provides 20% of the USRDA of fiber. A Harvard University study of 43,757 men ages 40 to 75 found that those who got the most fiber had about half the risk of getting a heart attack as those who got the least. Furthermore, men who added just 10 grams of fiber a day to their diet (6 figs) lowered their incidence of heart disease by 30%. This could also be why fibrous dates are another favored food of the Prophet (s).
As Muslims we are wise to include these foods in our diet. Allah has blessed us with many good foods and in the Koran (7:160) it says "Eat of the good foods We have provided for you."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
EFFECTS OF PROHIBITED FOODS
Written by DR. SHAHID ATHAR
INTOXICANTS AND INGREDIENTS ON HUMAN HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
It is not required of a believer to always find a scientific justification for divine prohibitions. However, if they look and find it, they must share the infor mation that will increase their faith. On the contrary, however, lack of confirmation should not cast doubt on the authenticity of the Qur'an. We believe that all Qur'anic statements are true. If science has not confirmed some of them yet, it may do so in the future. It may be that it needs to examine its data more deeply or repeat the experiment.For the benefits of non-medical readers, before we discuss hormonal and behavioral effects of prohibited food, intoxicants and ingredients, we need to define some medical terms and inter-relationships that are involved in this discussion.
HORMONES
These are the powerful secretions of the endocrine (internal) glands. They control the functions of all organs and even individual cells. They are made from protein and are peptides or sterol in nature. Thyroid hormones control our metabolism, energy level, and temperature tolerance. Behind them are para-thyroid glands, which control our calcium metabolism. In the abdomen are the adrenal glands above the kidneys, which secrete cortisone, the life-saving essential hormone, and catecholamines and aldosterone, which control our blood pressure and heart rate. Steroids and catecholamines are derived from cholesterol. Also in the abdomen are the pancreas, which secretes insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glycogen, which raises a low blood sugar. Lower down in the pelvis are gonads, ovaries in women, and testes in men, which secrete estrogen, progesterone and testosterone respectively. All these hormones have internal control and influence each other. They control our growth, muscle mass, bone development, temperature tolerance, blood pressure, energy, fertility, sex desire, thirst and well being in general.
HOW DO HORMONES AFFECT BEHAVIOR
Clinically we see various behavioral manifestations in endocrine disorders. Hypoglycemic patients (low blood sugar) suffer from depression and poor mental concentration. Patients with low thyroid have impotency and depression. Those with high thyroid have agitation, irritability, and lack of sleep. Patients with low cortisone (Addison disease) have severe depression; while with high cortisone have hallucinations and psychosis. Patients with high testosterone have been claimed to have criminal tendencies (i.e. rapists) while those with low testosterone have problems in behavior adjustment. Patients with calcium and sodium imbalance likewise have marked mental changes.Physiologically boys and girls differ in behavior i.e. aggressive versus passive (playing with mechanical toys and guns versus dolls) due to differences in their sex hormone even in prepubertal age. This becomes more obvious after full sex differentiation takes place. In fact by changing the sex hormone level of a given sex, one can change not only the sexual behavior but also the aggressiveness of a particular sex. Homosexual males have been noted to have less male sex hormone, and on the other hand repeated male sex offender can be cured by castration or by injection of the female hormone progesterone. In one experiment female rats whose mothers were treated with testosterone while pregnant, showed male behavior pattern of threatening peers, rough play, and increased sexual activity as compared to the control rat. This shows that the effect of testosterone not only affects the individual but the offspring as well. In humans, girls with congenital adrenal hyper plasia (excessive testosterone secretion) at the age of post puberty, show a tomboy atti‑tude with preference for rough sports, preferring boys as playmates, and low interest in dolls and baby care! Sexual behavior is not only affected by testosterone, but also by the pineal gland, which is turned, off and on by light and darkness.Hormones, not directly, but indirectly control blood sugar, calcium, sodium balance, affect behavior in general anger, love, anxiety, panic attacks and agitation. The hyperactivity in children could be due to low blood sugar many food preservatives and coloring agent like nitrates and dyes.
HORMONAL AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECT OF PORK AND FAT INGESTION
Pork and pig fat is not only prohibited in the Qur'an,. But also in the Bible because "swine were designed to be scavengers, to eat up filth." In the Old Testament, Leviticus Chapter 7-8, it is mentioned about swine, "Though he divides the hoof and be cloven-footed, yet he chews not the cud, he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall you not eat." There is no mention in the Bible that Jesus ever ate pork in his life. It was Paul who declared all food and drink permissible saying, "To the pure, everything is pure."The Habits of SwineTo get a first hand idea, I interviewed farmers of Fisher, Indiana, who breed swine. According to them, "Swine is cheaper to breed, since it does not require pasture. It can live on manure and other such items including dead meat. In fact it can cat its own feces. Their sexual habits are also different than other animals like cows, sheep and goats. Hey have very little shame i.e. engage in sex acts anytime any place while others sometime wait for darkness. The female hog is very aggressive in sexual activity. When she is in "heat" she does not care about anything (i.e. food or privacy) until she has sex. Swine, also lick the genitalia of their partners after sex like dogs, but unlike other mammals like cows, sheep or goats."Why is Pork Fat Different From Other Animal Fat?Fats are lipids, which are a source of energy. They can be of vegetable source or animal source. Triglycerides are neutral fats with 1 molecule of glycerol and 3 fatty acids. The fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated. The more unsaturated fats have high melting points. The iodine value of fat gives the degree of saturation. The iodine value of lard is 65, beef 45, and mutton 32. If a person eats the fat of a herbivorous animal, the fat will be hydrolyzed, absorbed, and then resynthesized and stored as human fat, while that of carnivorous fat will not be hydrolyzed and therefore has to be deposited in humans as pork fat in the adipose tissue. What Has Deposition of Pork Fat to Do With Hormone and Behavior in Humans? Circulating hormones are in bound from and free form. The free form has to be attached to the receptor in fat tissue before becoming active. Obesity decreases the number of receptors. Therefore hormones cannot utilize them. Therefore, if the hormone is insulin, it leads to diabetes (type 2), and if it is testosterone, it leads to sub fertility and amenorrhea. The amount of fat also controls hormone release. Therefore we see menarche is delayed in athletics girls with less fat, and occurs early in sedentary overweight girls,It can be postulated that in humans who have pork human fat deposit, there is derangement in the binding of hormones. It is possible that sexual promiscuity and deviant sexual practices of pork eating society is due to what they eat! After all, it has been said by nutritionist, " You are what you eat." Since this is an essay on hormones and behavior, the effect of pork on cholesterol, sodium and the relationship to heart disease are not mentioned here.
EFFECTS OF DEAD MEAT AND BLOOD INGESTION
Dead meat is the meat of an animal, which dies before slaughtering, and its blood was not drained out. Blood ingestion is not only the drinking of blood, prevalent in the days of ignorance in Arabia or even now in AM6, but also the blood which is retained inside the meat by improper killing of the animal. All hormones and antibodies are retained in the blood. All infective organisms, including virus, flourish in the blood. Therefore ingestion of such will be dangerous. It may also induce animal instincts similar to those found in carnivorous animal like dogs, cats and lions.
HORMONAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Both in acute and chronic alcoholism, endocrine glands are affected, Hypoglycemia may result in acute alcoholism, which may be severe and can lead to coma. This should be recognized and treated with IV dextrose since it may not respond to glycogen. Low magnesium with resultant low calcium is another effect of resulting in poor concentration, muscle twitching and even seizure. Increase in urine flow is due to suppression of antidiuretic hormone.Chronic alcoholism leads to pancreatitis with failure of pancreatic endocrine system sometime (diabetes) and exocrine gland (malnutrition). This leads to protein deficiency leading to reduced production of testosterone. This leads to impotency, gynecomastia in men and amenorrhea in women. Alcoholics liver disease causes increased clearance of testosterone with testicular atrophy leading to true hypogonadism. Sperm formation is also affected leading to infertility. Infants born to alcoholic mothers can also have undescended testes and labial hypoplasia. In addition, the cortisol levels are increased during withdrawal while I.H and I.H-RH levels are suppressed during chronic alcoholism.
BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol being a CNS depressant, depresses both facilitatory and inhibitory pathways. It is the suppression of the latter that discards the shame and removes control. Therefore, what an average person des not normally do i.e. use abusive language, undress in public, etc. he may perform under the influence of alcohol. There are more serious behavioral disorders described to include brain dysfunction in 50-70%: memory loss, depression, both acute and chronic, high suicide rate, mood fluctuation, delirium tremulous (DTS) in withdrawal state, and blackout spells during acute drinking. One third of all auto accidents are due to alcoholism. Under the influence of alcohol, mental judgment and motor skill are affected. Sometime the level of consciousness is also affected. Alcohol has been also found to be at the root of family violence, sexual violence, rape, assault, and child abuse.Alcohol is not aphrodisiac as it is claimed. It not only depresses the central nervous system effect on libido but also actually lowers the penile blood flow and tumescence (Swelling) thereby decreasing performance.
EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS (COCAINE AND MARIJUANA) ON HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
Both LSD and cocaine causes decrease in plasma testosterone and LH. The aphrodisiac effect is due to local anesthesia, causing prolonged erection and central stimulation causing general well being. Also by inhibiting inhibitions, they encourage engagement in unusual sex acts like a false sense of euphoria flowed by depression, anxiety and agitation. Panic attacks, suicidal tendencies, violent behavior are not uncommon. Chronic usage may lead to schizophrenia, paranoia and a variety of psychiatric disorders, Even infants born to cocaine mothers show signs of withdrawal.
EFFECTS OF INGREDIENTS ON HORMONES AND BEHAVIOUR
If prohibited ingredients i.e. pork, lard, alcohol, cocaine etc. are consumed, the effect will be as described earlier, though because of the small quantity it may be slow and cumulative. More serious are items like sugar which causes reactive hypoglycemia, sodium which may lead to hypertension, nitrates and nitrites (used in meat preservation) linked to cancer, DES (diethylstilbestrol, a female hormone given to cattle to increase fat and muscle content) linked to vaginal and cervical cancer in women, and artificial sweeteners like saccharin related to bladder cancer in rats, and asperate related to brain damage.
CONCLUSION
More research is needed on all of the above areas especially those affecting the lifestyle of Muslims to determine their affects more accurately. Though usage of prohibited items are not commonly found in Muslims, the dangers also may come to their health and spirits by the effects of non-prohibited items like western rock music, dress (i.e. tight jeans affecting testicular temperature) and sexual practices, and cigarette smoking.
SELECTED REFERANCES
Badri, M. B. Islam and Alcoholism. Indianapolis, IN: ATP Publication.Drucker, W. M. "Endocrine Abnormalities Caused by Alcoholism" Medical Aspect of Human Sexuality, Vol, 16, No. 12, Dec. 1982.Eckardt et all. "Health Hazard Associated With Alcohol Consumption." JAMA 8.7.81.Felig and Baxter. Endocrinology and Metabolism.Goodhart and Shils. Modern Nutrition In Health And Disease. 6th Ed.Qur'an: 2:173, 5:4, 6:145, 16:115, 2:219, 4:43, 5:90, 5:91.Qardawi, Yusuf al-. The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam, pp. 39-61.Sakr, Ahmad. The Food Nutrition Manual.Saud, M. A. Sex Roles in Muslim Families of U.S.A. Published in AI-Ittihad.William, R. H. Test Book of Endocrinology. 6th Ed. Chapter on Psych oendocri no logy.Washton and Stone. "Human Cost of Cocaine Use." Medical Aspect of Human Sexuality, Vol. 18, No. 11 Nov 1984.Dr. Shahid Athar.
Dr Shahid Athar is currently a clinical associate professor of medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine and Chief, section of Endocrinology at St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is president-elect of Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) and has authored 6 books and over 120 published articles on Islamic topics.
INTOXICANTS AND INGREDIENTS ON HUMAN HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
It is not required of a believer to always find a scientific justification for divine prohibitions. However, if they look and find it, they must share the infor mation that will increase their faith. On the contrary, however, lack of confirmation should not cast doubt on the authenticity of the Qur'an. We believe that all Qur'anic statements are true. If science has not confirmed some of them yet, it may do so in the future. It may be that it needs to examine its data more deeply or repeat the experiment.For the benefits of non-medical readers, before we discuss hormonal and behavioral effects of prohibited food, intoxicants and ingredients, we need to define some medical terms and inter-relationships that are involved in this discussion.
HORMONES
These are the powerful secretions of the endocrine (internal) glands. They control the functions of all organs and even individual cells. They are made from protein and are peptides or sterol in nature. Thyroid hormones control our metabolism, energy level, and temperature tolerance. Behind them are para-thyroid glands, which control our calcium metabolism. In the abdomen are the adrenal glands above the kidneys, which secrete cortisone, the life-saving essential hormone, and catecholamines and aldosterone, which control our blood pressure and heart rate. Steroids and catecholamines are derived from cholesterol. Also in the abdomen are the pancreas, which secretes insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glycogen, which raises a low blood sugar. Lower down in the pelvis are gonads, ovaries in women, and testes in men, which secrete estrogen, progesterone and testosterone respectively. All these hormones have internal control and influence each other. They control our growth, muscle mass, bone development, temperature tolerance, blood pressure, energy, fertility, sex desire, thirst and well being in general.
HOW DO HORMONES AFFECT BEHAVIOR
Clinically we see various behavioral manifestations in endocrine disorders. Hypoglycemic patients (low blood sugar) suffer from depression and poor mental concentration. Patients with low thyroid have impotency and depression. Those with high thyroid have agitation, irritability, and lack of sleep. Patients with low cortisone (Addison disease) have severe depression; while with high cortisone have hallucinations and psychosis. Patients with high testosterone have been claimed to have criminal tendencies (i.e. rapists) while those with low testosterone have problems in behavior adjustment. Patients with calcium and sodium imbalance likewise have marked mental changes.Physiologically boys and girls differ in behavior i.e. aggressive versus passive (playing with mechanical toys and guns versus dolls) due to differences in their sex hormone even in prepubertal age. This becomes more obvious after full sex differentiation takes place. In fact by changing the sex hormone level of a given sex, one can change not only the sexual behavior but also the aggressiveness of a particular sex. Homosexual males have been noted to have less male sex hormone, and on the other hand repeated male sex offender can be cured by castration or by injection of the female hormone progesterone. In one experiment female rats whose mothers were treated with testosterone while pregnant, showed male behavior pattern of threatening peers, rough play, and increased sexual activity as compared to the control rat. This shows that the effect of testosterone not only affects the individual but the offspring as well. In humans, girls with congenital adrenal hyper plasia (excessive testosterone secretion) at the age of post puberty, show a tomboy atti‑tude with preference for rough sports, preferring boys as playmates, and low interest in dolls and baby care! Sexual behavior is not only affected by testosterone, but also by the pineal gland, which is turned, off and on by light and darkness.Hormones, not directly, but indirectly control blood sugar, calcium, sodium balance, affect behavior in general anger, love, anxiety, panic attacks and agitation. The hyperactivity in children could be due to low blood sugar many food preservatives and coloring agent like nitrates and dyes.
HORMONAL AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECT OF PORK AND FAT INGESTION
Pork and pig fat is not only prohibited in the Qur'an,. But also in the Bible because "swine were designed to be scavengers, to eat up filth." In the Old Testament, Leviticus Chapter 7-8, it is mentioned about swine, "Though he divides the hoof and be cloven-footed, yet he chews not the cud, he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall you not eat." There is no mention in the Bible that Jesus ever ate pork in his life. It was Paul who declared all food and drink permissible saying, "To the pure, everything is pure."The Habits of SwineTo get a first hand idea, I interviewed farmers of Fisher, Indiana, who breed swine. According to them, "Swine is cheaper to breed, since it does not require pasture. It can live on manure and other such items including dead meat. In fact it can cat its own feces. Their sexual habits are also different than other animals like cows, sheep and goats. Hey have very little shame i.e. engage in sex acts anytime any place while others sometime wait for darkness. The female hog is very aggressive in sexual activity. When she is in "heat" she does not care about anything (i.e. food or privacy) until she has sex. Swine, also lick the genitalia of their partners after sex like dogs, but unlike other mammals like cows, sheep or goats."Why is Pork Fat Different From Other Animal Fat?Fats are lipids, which are a source of energy. They can be of vegetable source or animal source. Triglycerides are neutral fats with 1 molecule of glycerol and 3 fatty acids. The fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated. The more unsaturated fats have high melting points. The iodine value of fat gives the degree of saturation. The iodine value of lard is 65, beef 45, and mutton 32. If a person eats the fat of a herbivorous animal, the fat will be hydrolyzed, absorbed, and then resynthesized and stored as human fat, while that of carnivorous fat will not be hydrolyzed and therefore has to be deposited in humans as pork fat in the adipose tissue. What Has Deposition of Pork Fat to Do With Hormone and Behavior in Humans? Circulating hormones are in bound from and free form. The free form has to be attached to the receptor in fat tissue before becoming active. Obesity decreases the number of receptors. Therefore hormones cannot utilize them. Therefore, if the hormone is insulin, it leads to diabetes (type 2), and if it is testosterone, it leads to sub fertility and amenorrhea. The amount of fat also controls hormone release. Therefore we see menarche is delayed in athletics girls with less fat, and occurs early in sedentary overweight girls,It can be postulated that in humans who have pork human fat deposit, there is derangement in the binding of hormones. It is possible that sexual promiscuity and deviant sexual practices of pork eating society is due to what they eat! After all, it has been said by nutritionist, " You are what you eat." Since this is an essay on hormones and behavior, the effect of pork on cholesterol, sodium and the relationship to heart disease are not mentioned here.
EFFECTS OF DEAD MEAT AND BLOOD INGESTION
Dead meat is the meat of an animal, which dies before slaughtering, and its blood was not drained out. Blood ingestion is not only the drinking of blood, prevalent in the days of ignorance in Arabia or even now in AM6, but also the blood which is retained inside the meat by improper killing of the animal. All hormones and antibodies are retained in the blood. All infective organisms, including virus, flourish in the blood. Therefore ingestion of such will be dangerous. It may also induce animal instincts similar to those found in carnivorous animal like dogs, cats and lions.
HORMONAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Both in acute and chronic alcoholism, endocrine glands are affected, Hypoglycemia may result in acute alcoholism, which may be severe and can lead to coma. This should be recognized and treated with IV dextrose since it may not respond to glycogen. Low magnesium with resultant low calcium is another effect of resulting in poor concentration, muscle twitching and even seizure. Increase in urine flow is due to suppression of antidiuretic hormone.Chronic alcoholism leads to pancreatitis with failure of pancreatic endocrine system sometime (diabetes) and exocrine gland (malnutrition). This leads to protein deficiency leading to reduced production of testosterone. This leads to impotency, gynecomastia in men and amenorrhea in women. Alcoholics liver disease causes increased clearance of testosterone with testicular atrophy leading to true hypogonadism. Sperm formation is also affected leading to infertility. Infants born to alcoholic mothers can also have undescended testes and labial hypoplasia. In addition, the cortisol levels are increased during withdrawal while I.H and I.H-RH levels are suppressed during chronic alcoholism.
BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol being a CNS depressant, depresses both facilitatory and inhibitory pathways. It is the suppression of the latter that discards the shame and removes control. Therefore, what an average person des not normally do i.e. use abusive language, undress in public, etc. he may perform under the influence of alcohol. There are more serious behavioral disorders described to include brain dysfunction in 50-70%: memory loss, depression, both acute and chronic, high suicide rate, mood fluctuation, delirium tremulous (DTS) in withdrawal state, and blackout spells during acute drinking. One third of all auto accidents are due to alcoholism. Under the influence of alcohol, mental judgment and motor skill are affected. Sometime the level of consciousness is also affected. Alcohol has been also found to be at the root of family violence, sexual violence, rape, assault, and child abuse.Alcohol is not aphrodisiac as it is claimed. It not only depresses the central nervous system effect on libido but also actually lowers the penile blood flow and tumescence (Swelling) thereby decreasing performance.
EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS (COCAINE AND MARIJUANA) ON HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
Both LSD and cocaine causes decrease in plasma testosterone and LH. The aphrodisiac effect is due to local anesthesia, causing prolonged erection and central stimulation causing general well being. Also by inhibiting inhibitions, they encourage engagement in unusual sex acts like a false sense of euphoria flowed by depression, anxiety and agitation. Panic attacks, suicidal tendencies, violent behavior are not uncommon. Chronic usage may lead to schizophrenia, paranoia and a variety of psychiatric disorders, Even infants born to cocaine mothers show signs of withdrawal.
EFFECTS OF INGREDIENTS ON HORMONES AND BEHAVIOUR
If prohibited ingredients i.e. pork, lard, alcohol, cocaine etc. are consumed, the effect will be as described earlier, though because of the small quantity it may be slow and cumulative. More serious are items like sugar which causes reactive hypoglycemia, sodium which may lead to hypertension, nitrates and nitrites (used in meat preservation) linked to cancer, DES (diethylstilbestrol, a female hormone given to cattle to increase fat and muscle content) linked to vaginal and cervical cancer in women, and artificial sweeteners like saccharin related to bladder cancer in rats, and asperate related to brain damage.
CONCLUSION
More research is needed on all of the above areas especially those affecting the lifestyle of Muslims to determine their affects more accurately. Though usage of prohibited items are not commonly found in Muslims, the dangers also may come to their health and spirits by the effects of non-prohibited items like western rock music, dress (i.e. tight jeans affecting testicular temperature) and sexual practices, and cigarette smoking.
SELECTED REFERANCES
Badri, M. B. Islam and Alcoholism. Indianapolis, IN: ATP Publication.Drucker, W. M. "Endocrine Abnormalities Caused by Alcoholism" Medical Aspect of Human Sexuality, Vol, 16, No. 12, Dec. 1982.Eckardt et all. "Health Hazard Associated With Alcohol Consumption." JAMA 8.7.81.Felig and Baxter. Endocrinology and Metabolism.Goodhart and Shils. Modern Nutrition In Health And Disease. 6th Ed.Qur'an: 2:173, 5:4, 6:145, 16:115, 2:219, 4:43, 5:90, 5:91.Qardawi, Yusuf al-. The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam, pp. 39-61.Sakr, Ahmad. The Food Nutrition Manual.Saud, M. A. Sex Roles in Muslim Families of U.S.A. Published in AI-Ittihad.William, R. H. Test Book of Endocrinology. 6th Ed. Chapter on Psych oendocri no logy.Washton and Stone. "Human Cost of Cocaine Use." Medical Aspect of Human Sexuality, Vol. 18, No. 11 Nov 1984.Dr. Shahid Athar.
Dr Shahid Athar is currently a clinical associate professor of medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine and Chief, section of Endocrinology at St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is president-elect of Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) and has authored 6 books and over 120 published articles on Islamic topics.
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