Processed meats cause cancer and should be significantly reduced within our diets.
Bacon, cured meats and the humble Australian BBQ are all under the spotlight from The World Health Organisation today with evidence based claims they could all cause bowel cancer if eaten in large enough quantities.
The World Health Organisation has officially announced bacon and processed meats including ham and Italian cured meats cause colorectal (bowel) cancer, and has said it’s more than likely red meat does too.
Just 50 grams of processed meat, (two slices of ham or 2 slices of cooked bacon) increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18%. Processed meat is meat that has been modified by smoking, curing or adding salt and preservatives, traditionally to increase its shelf life.
The report adds that BBQ’ing meat could also be carcinogenic, and cause cancer.
In startling claims backed up by decades of research, a 22 member panel of experts have said research shows cell mechanisms and human diet and health are adversely effected by the consumption of processed meats.
It estimates 34,000 deaths each year are caused by the excessive consumption of processed meats.
However to keep it in perspective, it is estimated 600,000 deaths a year are caused by the excess consumption of alcohol.
So cutting back on a steak from the bbq with a glass of red wine, may be a healthy start to a longer life.
