Why “Beans vs. Beef” comparison graphics are misleading—and what nutrient density actually means Every few months, one of those “Beans/Broccoli vs. Steak” graphics makes the rounds again. It usually goes something like this: - Steak: 22g protein + “cholesterol” (cue panic) - Beans: 22g protein + fiber + minerals + “0 cholesterol” (cue virtue signaling) And yes—those posts irritate the crap out of me. Not because beans are “evil.” But because these images are grossly misleading and they keep people confused about what matters most: Nutrient density. Bioavailability. Amino acid quality. Digestive tolerance. Hormonal needs. Muscle maintenance. Brain function. Long-term resilience. You don’t build a strong human—especially a growing teen, a healing gut, a stressed mom, a perimenopausal woman, or an older adult—on propaganda graphics and nutrition-label math. Let’s break down what’s actually going on. Disclaimer: This is educational content and not medical advice. Individual needs vary, especially with kidney disease, gout, pregnancy, iron overload disorders, and certain GI conditions. Work with your coach for personalized guidance. The “Equal Protein” Claim: What They Don’t Tell You Using kidney beans as a common example (like the image you referenced): - ~3–4 oz cooked lean beef (~100g) ≈ 22g protein - ~1.5 cups cooked kidney beans (~250g) ≈ 22g protein So on paper, sure—the protein number can match. But this is where the deception starts: 1) Volume and macronutrient tradeoffs matter To get the “same protein” from beans, you’re also bringing along: - much more total food volume - significantly more carbohydrate - a different digestive burden - a different amino acid profile - a different absorption reality That matters for blood sugar stability, appetite regulation, GI symptoms, and body composition goals. 2) “Protein” is not a monolith Protein has a job: build and repair tissue. That requires the right amino acids in the right ratios, and the ability to digest and absorb them.

Last week we talked about why cholesterol isn’t the villain it’s been made out to be. This post is the supporting evidence + reframing—because the narrative most of us were raised on (“saturated fat is bad,” “cholesterol is the enemy,” “swap animal fats for industrial oils”) is being challenged on multiple fronts. (Link to original post: https://www.skool.com/bedrock-nation-8489/cholesterol-part-1-cholesterol-isnt-the-villain?p=1bfd1cc4 ) Recently, even federally, the messaging is shifting toward simpler, whole-food guidance—a major departure from the old era of fear-based nutrition visuals and blanket limits. How we got here: the low-fat era shaped a generation For decades, public nutrition messaging was built around a few simple “rules”: - Reduce total fat - Reduce saturated fat - Reduce cholesterol (often capped at ~300 mg/day) That framework shows up clearly in the historical federal guidance. But over time, even the federal government began walking back the idea that dietary cholesterol itself should be tightly restricted. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines explicitly stated that cholesterol is no longer a nutrient of concern for overconsumption, shifting the focus toward overall eating patterns. And just days ago, the newest federal guidance emphasized “eat real food” and minimizing highly processed foods—another big shift in tone from the old “low-fat everything” era. Misconception #1: “High total cholesterol = shorter life” Reality: In older adults, many studies show that lower total cholesterol (TC) is often associated with higher all-cause mortality, and the relationship can become inverse in advanced age. Here’s the evidence (total cholesterol focus): - Framingham Heart Study: TC was positively associated with all-cause mortality at age 40, negligible at 50–70, and negative at age 80 (higher TC associated with lower all-cause mortality). - Adults >85 (Lancet): Higher total cholesterol in the “oldest old” was associated with longevity, with lower mortality from cancer and infection reported in that cohort. - Honolulu Heart Program (men 71–93): Persistently low cholesterol over time was linked with higher mortality in this elderly cohort. - Massive cohort (12.8 million adults, Korea): A U-shaped association between total cholesterol and all-cause mortality (risk is not linear; “lower is always better” doesn’t hold across ages).

Your kidneys are your body’s filtration and fluid-balance “command center.” They regulate blood pressure, electrolytes, hydration status, and detox byproducts. Some common medications are not kidney-friendly—especially when used often, at higher doses, or during higher-risk seasons of life (dehydration, illness, age 55+, diabetes, high blood pressure, existing CKD, etc.). Below are five big categories I see most often, plus practical alternatives and a simple kidney-protection plan. 1) OTC NSAIDs and common pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) Why they can hurt kidneys: NSAIDs reduce blood flow into the kidneys. That can trigger acute kidney injury and can worsen chronic kidney disease risk—especially with frequent use, high doses, dehydration, or when combined with certain blood pressure meds/diuretics. Kidney-safer pain strategy (depending on the person): - Don’t start with a pill. Start with hydration + electrolytes, heat/ice, mobility work, sleep support, and addressing inflammation drivers (blood sugar swings, ultra-processed food, alcohol). - Topicals first: Topical pain relief—like full-spectrum CBD lotions or gels—can reduce the need for medication. My top pick: https://botanicalenlightenment.com/ (Bedrock25 discount code) - Herbal anti-inflammatory options (often used short-term):Arnica (topical), Boswellia/frankincense (supplement form), curcumin/turmeric (with food or as a targeted supplement), and Zyflamend-style botanical blends (quality matters). My top pick is Phytoprofen by Thorne: https://s.thorne.com/5deQp - Essential oil “pain blend” (“morphine bomb”):Our concept (4 drops each of frankincense, copaiba, and balsam fir in a capsule, taken every 4–6 hours PRN) can be a great, effective alternative to NSAIDs and Rx pain meds. My preferred therapeutic-grade essential oils are Revive: https://www.talkable.com/x/xdpZU1

Part 2: The Great Statin Debate Benefits, tradeoffs, and the dangers that are often glossed over If cholesterol is the most misunderstood molecule in modern medicine, then statins might be the most emotionally charged prescription on the planet. I personally believe, that statins are chronically over-prescribed and under-explained, and can be potentially dangerous when misused, overused, or used to avoid addressing the real underlying issue. In the Bedrock/Rooted Faith lane, we believe in Informed consent. Context. Stewardship over fear. Statins come with tradeoffs—and too many people never hear the full story. This article is about the dangers that often get minimized—so you can ask better questions and make a decision that fits you. The dangers and tradeoffs that often get glossed over when speaking with your prescribing physician: 1) Muscle symptoms and exercise intolerance (SAMS) Muscle pain, cramps, weakness, and fatigue are among the most common reasons people stop statins—whether due to the statin itself, other causes, or a mix (including nocebo effects). Major expert panels still treat SAMS as a real clinical issue and provide guidance for evaluating it. PubMed+2OUP Academic+2 Statins cause muscle pain (myalgia) likely due to disrupting muscle cell energy (reducing CoQ10), causing calcium leakage for cell function, potentially affecting muscle proteins, and increasing sensitivity, says the Mayo Clinic, Verywell Health, Healthline, and the National Institutes of Health. Key theories on why statins cause pain: - Coenzyme Q10 Depletion: - Calcium Leakage: - Muscle Membrane Instability: - Inflammation & Protein Issues:

Part 1: Cholesterol Isn’t the Villain Why your body needs it (hormones, brain, repair) For decades, “cholesterol” has been framed as the boogeyman of modern health. If your lab report shows an elevated number, the script often feels automatic: fear → urgency → medication → “see you next year.” But here’s the truth from a terrain-first lens: Your body makes cholesterol on purpose. Not as a mistake. Not as a glitch. As a feature. Cholesterol is a foundational molecule used for structure, signaling, repair, and resilience—especially as we age. And while cholesterol markers can be part of a bigger risk conversation, cholesterol itself is not the simplistic villain it’s been made out to be. A Bedrock reminder: At Rooted Faith Wellness by Bedrock, we don’t worship numbers and we don’t demonize molecules. We look at context. We ask better questions. And we pursue stewardship over fear. What cholesterol actually does (that most people never hear) Cholesterol isn’t just “something in your blood.” It’s a critical component of your cell membranes, helping regulate membrane structure and function. PMC+1 It also helps create and stabilize lipid rafts—specialized membrane “platforms” that organize receptors and signaling proteins so your cells can communicate, respond to stress, and coordinate immune and repair processes. JCI+1 Translation: cholesterol is part of how cells work, not just something that “causes problems.” Cholesterol and hormones: the raw material for steroid hormone production If you care about hormones, you care about cholesterol. Your adrenal glands and reproductive tissues use cholesterol to make steroid hormones, beginning with the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone—a precursor for downstream hormones like progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and others. PMC+1