Is Processed Meat Bad for Your Health?

What is Processed Meat?

Processed meat is any meat that has been modified to improve its taste or extend its shelf life. This includes:

• Bacon
• Sausage
• Hot dogs
• Deli meat
• Canned meat

Health Effects of Processed Meat

Eating processed meat is linked to an increased risk of several diseases, including:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

Cancer

Processed meat is classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that it is known to cause cancer. The most consistent evidence is for colorectal cancer, but processed meat has also been linked to stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

Heart Disease

Processed meat contains high levels of saturated fat and sodium. These nutrients can increase your risk of heart disease. Saturated fat raises your LDL cholesterol levels, which is the "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and narrow them, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Stroke

Processed meat is also linked to an increased risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can cause brain damage and lead to disability or even death.

Type 2 Diabetes

Processed meat is high in sodium and sugar. These nutrients can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to use insulin, which is a hormone that helps glucose get from the blood into cells.

Recommendations

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends that people limit their intake of processed meat to no more than 18 ounces per week. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people avoid processed meat altogether.

Conclusion

Processed meat is linked to an increased risk of several diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is important to limit your intake of processed meat or avoid it altogether.