Major new research finds link between eating a high amount of processed meats such as sausages, bacon and ham and heart disease and cancer.
Eating a lot of processed meats such as bacon, sausages and ham can increase the risk of cancer and heart problems, according to a major new study.
Half a million people across 10 European countries were studied for an average of 13 years by researchers, who published their findings in the journal BMC Medicine.
The study found that people eating more than 160g of processed meat a day – roughly equivalent to two sausages and a slice of bacon – were 44% more likely to die over the following 12 years than those who ate around 20g.
The 20g figure is equivalent to a rasher of bacon, a chipolata sausage or a thin slice of ham.
The UK Government currently recommends eating no more than 70g of processed meat – roughly two slices of bacon – a day.
Meanwhile, the World Cancer Research Fund says there would be 4,000 fewer cases of bowel cancer if people ate less than 10g of processed meat a day.
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Tracy Parker, Heart Health Dietician at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Red meat can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Opting for leaner cuts and using healthier cooking methods such as grilling will help to keep your heart healthy. If you eat lots of processed meat, try to vary your diet with other protein choices such as chicken, fish, beans or lentils.”
What do you think of this research? Do you deliberately limit the amount of meat you eat? Or do you think this is a lot of fuss over nothing? Let us know in the Comments below.
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