Why I Can My Own Food

We were thrilled with the fantastic turnout for our first-ever pressure canning workshop! We only had space for 10 participants, and the response has been overwhelming. Stay tuned, as we're figuring out how to offer more workshops soon. Setting Up TPF Canning Class I appreciate pressure canning. It's a convenient way to make delicious, shelf-stable food. But more importantly, it allows me to control exactly what goes into our family's meals. Today I read a concerning article linking ultra-processed foods to a rise in early-onset cancers (cancers diagnosed in people under 50). This isn't just about celebrities like Kate Middleton; it's a major public health concern. Pressure canned Grassfed Beef The article is behind a paywall, but here are some screenshots: This is one of the main reasons we started Tyner Pond Farm and taking food seriously. There’s growing evidence and concern about the link between ultra-processed foods, gut microbiome disruption, and increased risk of early-onset cancers. Ultra-processed foods (UPF’s) are a generational experiment put on by the industrial food system. UPF’s are heavily engineered and contain additives, preservatives, high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates. They are designed to make us consume more…period.

How UPFs Appear to Increase Cancer Risk:

• Inflammation: UPFs can promote chronic inflammation, which is associated with a higher risk of various cancers.
• Gut Microbiome Disruption: UPFs can negatively impact the balance of bacteria in your gut, potentially weakening your immune system and increasing susceptibility to cancer development.
• Carcinogens: Some UPFs contain additives and chemicals formed during processing that may have carcinogenic properties.
• Nutrient Deficiency: UPFs displace healthier foods, resulting in deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and fats that protect against cancer.

Research Into UPF/Early Onset Cancers

Multiple large-scale studies have found associations between high UPF intake and an increased risk of overall cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Other studies specifically focused on early-onset cancers have also identified this link. (Here’s a great place to start your own investigation) The food industry often emphasizes that correlation doesn't equal causation. While further research is needed to definitively prove the causal link between ultra-processed foods and health risks, there's growing evidence suggesting a connection. This raises valid concerns. Regardless, supporting local food systems empowers communities and offers an opportunity for greater control over the quality and origin of our food.

Michael Pollan said it clearly 20 years ago: “Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food”. I say, don’t eat anything YOU don’t recognize as food.

I apologize if this sounds negative, but as a 63-year-old cancer survivor, this news really has shaken me. More than ever, I feel the urgency to make informed choices about our food system and for our family farm to be part of the solution.