Processed meat such as sausages, ham, and bacon has been linked to higher rates of mortality. This conclusion was drawn by researchers from 10 countries who analyzed data from nearly 450,000 people over the course of 16 years.
The findings were published in the journal BMC Medicine..
What is Processed Meat?
Processed meat is meat that has been preserved through smoking, curing, salting, or adding preservatives. Examples of processed meats include bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and ham.
These meats are often high in sodium and fat and can also contain nitrates and other preservatives.
The Study
The study involved 448,568 participants from 10 European countries. The participants completed questionnaires about their eating habits and lifestyle, and their health was monitored for an average of 16 years. During this time, 26,344 participants died.
The researchers found that participants who ate more than 160 grams of processed meat a day had a 44% higher risk of dying in the follow-up period than those who ate less than 20 grams a day.
For every additional 50 grams of processed meat consumed per day, the risk of death increased by 18%.
Cancer Risk
Processed meat has long been linked to cancer risk. A 2015 report from the World Health Organization classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that there is convincing evidence to suggest that it causes cancer in humans.
The report found that consuming 50 grams of processed meat a day increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and it is responsible for nearly 900,000 deaths annually.
Healthier Alternatives
If you are looking to reduce your processed meat intake, there are many healthier alternatives. Here are some options:.
- Lean cuts of unprocessed meat
- White meat poultry without skin
- Fish and seafood
- Legumes such as lentils and beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
Conclusion
Eating processed meat has been linked to higher rates of mortality and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
If you are looking to reduce your risk of disease and improve your health, it is important to limit your intake of processed meat and opt for healthier alternatives.