Here is another health study to digest. A paper published in the journal Circulation suggests individuals concerned about cardiovascular health should opt for red meat over processed meats like bacon, deli meat and hot dogs. Researchers analyzed results from more than 20 studies involving more than 1 million participants in 10 different countries. They found that eating as little as 2 ounces of processed meat per day increased the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and the risk of diabetes by 19 percent.
In a BBC article the study also found that eating unprocessed red meat products like steak and hamburgers did not carry the same health risks, even though they contain similar amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol.
Researchers say the increased risks associated with processed meats are caused by higher salt contents as well as preservatives.
Some experts insist that processed meats do not have to be completely eliminated from the diet. Instead, consumers should eat them in moderation.
One doctor said, "The study doesn’t suggest that people should panic if they had a piece of processed meat for lunch or cut it out of their diet completely, but as people are making choices it may be better to move away a little bit from the processed meats."Another, " Go for lean cuts and aim to cook from scratch using healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking."
This study certainly makes one think about the kind of processed meats and foods we eat which may be laced with preservatives, salt, sugars, and fat.
I personally enjoy a farmer's smoked sausage that comes from the Waterloo area three hours away. Residents in my community make orders about four times a year and stock them in the freezer. Delicious from the grill.
What's your opinion of processed? Hot dogs anyone?
