Frequent consumption of processed meats is associated with various negative health effects, such as an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Cooking these meats over high heat would increase health risks.
Processed meats can include ham, sausage, bacon, deli meats, beef jerky, hot dogs, and pepperoni. They are meats that have been transformed by salting, curing, fermenting, smoking or other processes to enhance the flavor or improve conservation.
Increased risk of cancer
Processed meat is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Each serving of 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 10%. The risk increases with the amount of meat consumed.
Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at Harvard, points out that processed meat products contain high amounts of additives and chemicals, which can contribute to health risks. “There is no specific amount that is considered safe, so you should keep your intake of processed meat to a minimum,” says Hu.
Grilling meat can make it even more harmful, because the high temperatures can form additional carcinogens, Marji McCullough, senior scientific director of epidemiological research at the American Cancer Society, told the New York Times.
Processed meat is the main dietary source of nitrosamines. These substances are mainly formed when processed meat products are exposed to high temperatures (such as frying or grilling). According to Healthline, studies suggest these compounds may increase the risk of stomach and bowel cancer.
Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
Researchers from the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that a daily serving of 50 grams (1.8 oz) of processed meat (approximately 1-2 slices of deli meat or 1 hot dog) was associated with a 42% increased risk of developing heart disease and a 19% risk of developing diabetes.
Increased blood pressure
Processed meats have a high sodium content. Processed meats contain, on average, 4 times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meat according to Harvard researchers. Sodium contributes to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The consumption of processed meats can also make you live less time. Researchers from McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Canada found that eating as little as 150 grams of processed meat per week could significantly increase the risk of death by 51% compared to those who do not consume processed meat.
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