Eating raw irradiated beef - PaleoHacks.com

Eating raw irradiated beef

2010-07-23T03:31:45Z

I would like to prepare raw meat at home, but question the risks involved. I bought irradiated feedlot beef, thinking that the ecoli would be killed. I'm 17, and have been in good health while adjusting to the paleolithic diet, especially after recovering from vegetarianism.

Previously I could jog at least seven miles in an hour, and could run for an hour and half straight. Now I can run faster, but not as far.

On occasion I consume raw eggs and home-made fermented foods.

Does my immunity seem strong enough? Does anybody have experience eating home prepared raw meat, in particular irradiated, or have advice?

Answer by Eva for Eating raw irradiated beef

2010-07-23T04:11:24Z

Irradiation at food grade doses does not kill viruses. Considering the unsanitary nature of modern slaughter houses and meat processing facilities, I prefer to cook my meat lightly to at least kill the germs on the outside. Some say that uncooked meat is more easily digested. I have no probs digesting my cooked meat so I am just not worried about it unless some research comes up to change my mind. I am more worried about germs than I am about digestion. Our ancestors going way back did cook their meat and they were healthy but no one knows for sure what was common practice way way back in the paleo. At some point, they probably ate raw. Customs also probably varied in different populations. One thing is for sure, cooked meat does taste good, which I do not think is entirely a coincidence. Ancient people spent the time to cook their meat. It would have saved a lot of time to just eat it raw. Why cook it? WHy even get in the habit of cooking instead of just ripping into it like other primates? It's an interesting question. Perhaps over time, those who cooked had less probs with parasites and so those people were more likely to survive? Just guessing here but it is an interesting subject to be sure. -Eva

Answer by Susan for Eating raw irradiated beef

2010-07-23T04:55:00Z

I've only recently started to add raw meat to my diet so I'm no expert by any means. But for what it's worth, I would suggest freezing the meat for something like two weeks before eating it raw. This will take care of parasites. As far as bacteria, if your get your meat from a quality source I wouldn't worry about it.

I also wouldn't worry about the running. It could be related to the food but it might not be. Not everything is a symptom. Some things just are. If it continues to be a problem, then maybe it's time to look for the cause.

Good luck :)

Answer by John R for Eating raw irradiated beef

2010-07-23T12:46:32Z

I would at least sear the outside, on all sides. Do it fast over very high heat and you'll have what is functionally a raw steak with a 2-3mm margin of seared crust around the edges. Slice thin and enjoy.

Answer by Bread-Eating Beelzebub for Eating raw irradiated beef

2010-07-23T13:35:04Z

As Anthropologist Melvin Konner said, you can't just pick up meat from the supermarket and say you are doing the paleo diet. Feedlot beef is bad for the environment, the animals, and simply has different nutrient ratios than meat fed an appropriate diet. Why not call around to farms in your area? NYC Paleo has gotten grassfed meat for as little as $3.50 a lb this way! The bonus is that you are going to feel a lot more comfortable eating it raw if you've seen the farm and you know it's a good place. I personally eat raw meat from local small farms regularly and I've never had food poisoning from it.