processed meat Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Serious Health Risks Linked to Processed Meats

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 08:00:22 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence linking processed meat with an increased risk of cancer and mortality, Americans seem to have trouble kicking the habit. Lunchmeat, sausage, hot dogs, ham and bacon, are the most popular types of processed meat Americans have enjoyed for decades. However – new research, including a total of 120,852 participants – confirms the alarming relationship between processed meat consumption and increased cardiovascular, respiratory, and overall mortality. Researchers found that substituting processed meat with other protein sources lowered mortality risks. A Deadly Love Affair Without Concern Over Processed Meat Risks It is hard to imagine a baseball game or a picnic without hot dogs or some other meat. Kids and adults alike have a long-standing emotional attachment to these foods. Processed meats have been a fundamental part of the all-American food culture. Eating processed meat, however, does come with serious risks to our health. Colorectal cancer, diabetes, obesity are only some of the associated negative health effects. Let’s face it; Americans eat more than enough processed meat to cause major health risks. According to a Harvard research study, increasing processed red meat intake by just half a serving a day can raise the risk of mortality over the next eight years by 13 percent. WHO Classifies Processed Meats as Group 1 Carcinogens, Same as Smoking A review study examining 800 epidemiological studies worldwide concluded that eating hot dogs and other processed meats every day increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Study authors also found that the risk increased with the amount of processed meat consumed. As a result of these findings, in 2015, the World Health Organization classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen. Without a doubt, a Group 1 classification warrants the need to inform the public about the health risks associated with their decades-long eating habits. Yet, most people are still unaware that processed meats pose a danger to their health. Everyone should know that these foods are now listed alongside other cancer-causing activities such as smoking and asbestos exposure in the Group 1 category. WARNING: Nitrites Are the Probable Cause of Harm Caused by Lunch Meats While scientists are still unclear about what makes processed meat so cancer-causing, many have pointed at heme compounds, nitrosamine, and the formation of free radicals. Meats containing nitrites and nitrates seem to be the most troubling. Most commercial lunch meats contain nitrites. The meat industry uses sodium nitrite as a preservative and colorant to give the meat an appetizing pink or red shade. The problem with sodium nitrite is that it can form nitrosamines, molecules that cause cancer under certain conditions. Nitrosamines are highly cancer-causing compounds that increase your risk of stomach, pancreatic, and colon cancers. Cancer, however, is not the only risk scientists associated with nitrites. Studies found that nitrate-cured meats could negatively impact mental health and cause mania, especially in people who already have bipolar disorder. Reduce Your Cancer Risk by Avoiding Processed Meats While eliminating your cancer risk is not possible, you can reduce it by avoiding processed meats. The American Institute of Cancer Research recommends eating as little processed meat as possible. Remember, there is no safe amount of processed meat, so it is best to avoid it altogether. If processed meat products have been part of your diet for a long time, you may find it hard to completely cut them out. Consider these tips to reduce the amount you eat. Read labels carefully, and look for words such as nitrite or nitrate. Do not purchase meats that have been chemically treated with these compounds Be mindful that even uncured meats can contain nitrates If you find it hard to remove processed meats from your diet, at least reduce portion sizes and the number of times you eat them per week Center your diet around whole, plant-based foods, and experiment with meatless days. Sources for this article: NaturalHealthResearch.org, Jandonline.org, NaturalHealth365.com, BMJ.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Drop the Steak Knife: Red Meat Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:00:14 +0000

Cornell University via Newswise – Eating two servings of unprocessed red meat, processed meat or poultry a week has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Newswise — ITHACA, N.Y. – A new study from researchers at Cornell University and Northwestern University found that eating two servings of red meat, unprocessed meat or poultry – but not fish – per week was linked to a 3 to 7% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, eating two servings of unprocessed red meat or processed meat – but not poultry or fish – was associated with a 3% higher risk of all causes of death. “Modifying intake of these animal protein foods may be an important dietary strategy to help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death at population level,” said lead study author Victor Zhong, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell, who did the research while he was a postdoctoral student at Northwestern. The study found a 4% higher risk of cardiovascular disease for people who ate two servings per week of poultry, but the evidence so far is not sufficient to make a clear recommendation about poultry intake, Zhong said. The researchers suggest dietary alternatives, such as fish, seafood and plant-based sources of protein, to lessen one’s risk of heart disease and premature death. “Our study findings support current dietary guidelines that recommend limiting processed meat and unprocessed red meat intake,” Zhong said. “People can get needed nutrients from various other foods. Take protein for example: people can choose egg whites, fish, legumes, whole grains and nuts to replace processed meat and unprocessed red meat.” To read the original article click here.

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No Need to Cut Down Red and Processed Meat for Health Reasons, Controversial Findings Suggest

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 07:00:50 +0000

McMaster University via Science Daily – Contrary to previous advice, five new systematic reviews suggest that most people can continue to eat red and processed meat as they do now. The major studies have found cutting back has little impact on health. To read the original article click here.

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