Are all processed meats equally bad for health? (2024)

FAQs

Are all processed meats equally bad for health? ›

Aside from cancer risks, all processed meats tend to be high in sodium, so that is “an important factor,” Dr. Hu said. Excess sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Processed meats have also been linked with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Most forms of processed meat are considered unhealthy and have been linked to an increased risk for health complications like cancer. The chemicals used in processed meat are what makes it harmful to your health. Processed meat is generally considered unhealthy.

If you're looking for the healthiest lunch meat option, choose the leanest cuts of deli meat possible, such as turkey, chicken breast, lean ham or roast beef. “These types of deli meat have the least amount of fat and provide a better nutrient value compared to others,” Zumpano says.

What About Other Processed Foods? You have probably heard it many times already: don't eat too much red meat or processed foods. But research shows processed red meats, like bacon, hot dogs, and salami are the biggest problem.

The World Health Organization has classified processed meats including ham, bacon, salami and frankfurts as a Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer) which means that there's strong evidence that processed meats cause cancer. Eating processed meat increases your risk of bowel and stomach cancer.

Our products are not highly processed. In order for you to enjoy optimum flavor, we recommend that you do not purchase more product than you can consume within three days.

Fresh chicken, turkey, beef, pork and fish that have not been modified are considered unprocessed meats.

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

Hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and regular ground beef should be avoided or consumed sparingly due to their high fat, calorie, and sodium content, and potential health risks. By using this ranking system, you can make informed choices about the meats you eat and maintain a healthy diet.

Switching to deli meat

For this reason, Cleveland Clinic recommends purchasing from a deli, as these meats are more likely to contain natural nitrates and are often significantly less processed than packaged lunch meats. Also taking into consideration what type of meat you are buying can also be of importance.

Is deli turkey processed meat? ›

Processed meats are meats that have been preserved by smoking or salting, curing or adding chemical preservatives. They include deli meats, bacon and hot dogs.

Today on “Post Reports,” a food columnist explains how ultra-processed food is actually made and gives tips for simple, healthier swaps. Chips, peanut butter, bread — these are just a few of the foods in your kitchen that could be ultra-processed, and they make up over half of the average American's diet.

White meat, such as chicken, and fish, are not linked to an increased risk of cancer.

There are a few kinds of deli meat that are healthier choices: turkey, chicken or roast beef, Crumble Smith says. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.

Not all processed food is bad for you. Some foods need processing to make them safe, such as milk, which needs to be pasteurised to remove harmful bacteria. High-fibre breakfast cereals, wholemeal breads, and some lower-fat yoghurt can also form part of a healthy diet.

Mingyang Song, an associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard's School of Public Health, cautions that not all processed foods are created equally. For example, ultra-processed whole grains don't pose the same risks as processed meats and sugary foods or drinks.

There are a few kinds of deli meat that are healthier choices: turkey, chicken or roast beef, Crumble Smith says. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.

The takeaway. Although research shows that regularly eating ultra-processed foods is bad for your health, cutting these out of your diet entirely may be a challenge. It's undeniable that what you eat affects your overall health long-term, and overconsuming ultra-processed food puts you at a higher risk of disease.