My client Bill shared this fascinating article from the New York Times. Apparently consuming a “small amounts of processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer.” Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon).
Here are my important bullet points:
- “We see a 4 percent increase in the risk of cancer even at 15 grams a day, which is a single slice of ham on a sandwich. Eating 50 grams a day brings the risk of cancer to 18 percent”
If I told you that driving on the interstate in icy conditions would increase your chances of dying by 4% (as compared with only using standard roads) would you refrain from using the interstate? What if I told you that the risk is 18%? My guess is most of you may consider using the main roads or avoid driving period. The same train of thought should apply here. My key takeaway here is to be cautious. This means limiting your consumption of processed meat. Take it down to once a week, few times a month, or cut it out all together.
- “Processed meat refers to any meat, including pork, poultry, lamb, goat or others, that has been salted, smoked, cured, fermented or otherwise processed for preservation or to enhance the flavor.”
The typical meats here are hot dogs, bologna, salami, pepperoni, bacon, turkey bacon, deli meats, corned beef, beef jerky, etc. You get the picture.
- “Processed meats are often cured by adding sodium nitrate…”
This is a major point. Most of the meats listed in the previous bullet point contain sodium nitrate. What is sodium nitrate and why do they use it in deli meats, pepperoni, bacon, etc.? It gives the meats that tangy taste we enjoy. It’s too bad because sodium nitrate is suspected to be a solid contributor to the cancer causing agents found in people who frequently consume cured meats.
- “…food manufacturers may still add vegetable powders or juices such as celery juice or beetroot juice that contain naturally occurring nitrates…”
“Naturally occuring nitrates’…this simply means the nitrates form when we digest the food.
My Takeaway
We know processed food is not healthy for us. I don’t think I’m blowing anyone’s mind with that statement. Personally, I have a weak spot for a meat and cheese plate. Cured meats seem to raise the risk of colon cancer significantly when the processed meat is consumed frequently (like, once or more a week). I suggest finding other sources of food to replaced the meats. Eggs, chicken, or quality fish would be a good start. I’m not going to cut of cured meats from my life, but I’ll make darn sure I’m not consuming these processed meats on a weekly basis.