A Meat and Dairy Article from All-Creatures.org

What is Processed Meat and What Meats are Processed?

From Caricia Alcantar, NewRootsInstitute.org
January 2024

Processed meats are classified as group 1 carcinogens and connected to a variety of diseases. Explore why and if there is a safe amount to consume.

Image: Edi Libedinsky, Unsplash.com

Introduction

In the United States, diet-related diseases are a leading cause of mortality. There has been an increased focus on research to understand the connection between specific foods and overall human health. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified processed meat as a carcinogen. Additional studies revealed a link between processed meats and other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Given the prevalence of these diseases and their profound impact on public health, this information is a critical part of shaping our understanding and management of nutrition and well-being. In this article, we will explore the topic of processed meat and the impacts of its consumption.

What Is Processed Meat?

The definition of processed meat is not fixed and is best understood in the context of the methods used to produce it. This category of meat broadly encompasses a range of treatments and processes, such as smoking, salting, curing, fermenting, or even the addition of chemicals, to enhance flavor or extend shelf life. Some examples of meats typically deemed processed are ham, sausage, bacon, hot dogs, jerky, pepperoni, canned meats, and deli meat. These meats are classified as such because they have often undergone one or more of the aforementioned treatment processes.

A commonly held belief is that most processed meats are red meat like pork or beef, but they can include white meat such as turkey or chicken. For example, many chicken products are subjected to a salt bath for preservation and flavor enhancement, so they also fall under the processed meat category. Additionally, despite being associated with processed meat, not all red meat is considered processed. Nonetheless, studies showed that unprocessed red meat has adverse health effects as well.

Beyond these treatment methods, processed meats also have a commonality in that they have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogenic and associated with chronic diseases. This classification states that processed meats can increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, numerous studies have shown a link between processed meats overall and a variety of chronic diseases. The key contributors to these adverse health effects are the high levels of salt, saturated fats, damaging compounds, and additives.

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE, including:

• Are Some Processed Meats Worse For You Than Others?
• Why Processed Meat is Bad For You
• Why Are Processed Meats A Cancer Risk?
• How Much Processed Meat Is Safe To Eat?

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 13, 2024
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