Drawing us in with the sound of approaching footsteps on wood, expanding with brooding piano chords, textured percussion, cerebral motifs and a meditative frequency, Ravens Beats and Vii Dorsey open Trauma with vulnerability and a high emotional quotient.

Vii shares a sublime and immersive vocal with trip-hop adjacency and echoed effects as she sings, “Can I recognise these old emotions, here they are back again, it starts to get a little bit deeper, my heart starts to freeze, my stomach is like waves of a hurricane, why can’t you understand my pain?”

We immediately connect with the deep-rooted authenticity and the cinematic allure of the track. There is no doubt that Trauma was written from a place of pain and, in a sense, it feels cathartic now. We could imagine this being featured in a film like the Oscar-winning, One Battle After Another, or a TV show like First Kill on Netflix or Euphoria on HBO.

On the concept of Trauma, Ravens Beats opens up by saying, “This single talks about trauma I’ve experienced. I lost my late partner in 2015 due to mental health, at the time he suggested that I had sleep apnoea which actually saved my life I had an intensive operation to help me breathe, and mental plates in my face, the album cover is a actually picture of my skull when I had the operation! My mission is to help others with their mental health and spread awareness as much as possible to start these conversations!”

Speaking on the topic of influences, Ravens Beats confesses, “Ren was one of my biggest influence as he has been so brave and courageous in starting those conversations with mental health! Others include Olivia Dean, Skye Newman, and Norah Jones.”

We feel that fans of 90s bands like Morcheeba, Portishead and Massive Attack would also be able to connect with what Ravens Beats has created. The guitar inflections and sublime solo, plus the string arrangement that emerges and the overarching vocal production all tap into this trip-hop vibe. We also appreciate the full circle final moments with the reemergence of the footsteps.

Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Trauma to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we anticipate future releases from Ravens Beats.

The post Ravens Beats and Vii Dorsey transform personal loss into a haunting and cinematic trip-hop meditation with debut single, Trauma appeared first on KIMU.

The Biology Behind Stress in Animal Products

When animals endure stress and trauma, their bodies react in ways that can directly affect the food we consume. In high-stress environments, animals produce increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare their bodies for a “fight or flight” response. Research shows that when animals are slaughtered in fear, these hormones flood their systems and may remain present in their tissues and blood, potentially finding their way into the food chain.

Though cooking can reduce some hormone levels, traces may still linger in the meat. For those who consume animal products regularly, this could add up. According to Dr. Vanessa Castillo, a nutritionist specializing in plant-based diets, “Long-term exposure to even small amounts of these hormones can subtly affect our bodies, particularly influencing our own stress responses. Over time, it could potentially contribute to chronic stress or hormonal imbalances in humans.”

The Link Between Stress, Inflammation, and Chronic Disease

In addition to stress hormones, trauma in animals can lead to the production of inflammatory compounds like cytokines, which are associated with immune system responses. When humans consume these compounds, some scientists suggest they may add to inflammation in the human body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. Could our dietary choices be increasing our risk?

Dr. Castillo explains, “We know that high levels of inflammation in the body are a root cause of many chronic illnesses. Consuming animal products from animals raised in distressing environments may only compound the inflammation problem.”

Hidden Chemicals in Meat: Antibiotics and Synthetic Hormones

Factory farming frequently relies on antibiotics and hormones to maximize animal growth and prevent illness in crowded, stressful conditions. The presence of these chemicals in meat products is well-documented, and they may be a ticking time bomb for consumers. Synthetic hormones used in industrial farming – such as estrogen-like compounds – have been linked to increased cancer risks in humans and may interfere with hormonal balance.

“People underestimate the impact of these hidden chemicals,” says Dr. Mark Jennings, a biomedical researcher. “These hormones and antibiotics aren’t simply ‘washed away’ in the cooking process. We are ingesting them, and they can disturb our endocrine system, potentially affecting our mood and immune responses as well.”

Psychological Burden: Are We Absorbing More Than Just Nutrients?

Some argue that consuming animal products from stressed animals has an intangible effect on human psychology, too. Studies show that individuals who are aware of the suffering involved in factory farming often experience guilt, stress, or emotional discomfort when consuming animal products. This psychological toll may translate into increased levels of anxiety, emotional conflict, and even depression.

One consumer, Samantha Lee, shares her experience: “Once I learned more about the emotional trauma these animals endure, I couldn’t ignore it. I found myself feeling unsettled every time I ate meat, like I was somehow absorbing their suffering.”

This response, while deeply personal, is more common than one might think. The psychological conflict linked with ethical eating has been documented in studies, with researchers noting that feelings of guilt associated with eating animals can negatively impact mental well-being. For those who feel torn between dietary choices and moral beliefs, the emotional stress alone can contribute to anxiety and mental strain.

The Solution? Opting for Plant-Based Peace

Given these factors, the vegan lifestyle is increasingly being seen as more than just a trend – it’s a decision that benefits not only physical health but also emotional well-being. Removing animal products from your diet can reduce exposure to stress-related hormones, inflammatory compounds, and hidden chemicals, all while supporting ethical and environmental goals.

With the rise of plant-based diets and readily available alternatives, eating vegan has never been easier. Many individuals who switch to plant-based eating report feeling less burdened, both physically and emotionally. Dr. Castillo points out, “Many of my patients report feeling lighter, less anxious, and more at ease with their diet choices. The idea that you’re no longer participating in a system of suffering offers a unique peace of mind that adds to the physical benefits of a vegan lifestyle.”

Conclusion: Choose Compassion and Health Over Trauma

So, what’s really on your plate? In a world where physical health and mental well-being are top priorities, it’s worth considering the hidden cost of trauma in meat. Going vegan is not just about the animals; it’s a choice that might benefit your body, reduce inflammation, balance your hormones, and offer a sense of emotional clarity and peace.

As more studies reveal the unseen consequences of consuming animal products, the message is clear: choosing compassion may not just help animals – it could be a powerful step toward protecting your own health, both mind and body.

A reminder that no one is free until the animals are free, speciesism is the root of all oppression, and animals deserve respect and freedom. If you are already vegan, you can also look into how to optimise your communication as a vegan with Beyond Carnism, and if you aren’t vegan yet, you can look into transitioning with Challenge 22, and read Manifesting A Vegan Future with NEO 10Y.

The post Are You Eating Fear? How the Trauma in Meat Impacts Your Health and Mind appeared first on KIMU.