Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, sausages, ham, beef jerky, and lunch meats can cause cancer, according to a research division of the World Health Organization (WHO). And other red meats may as well.
After reviewing hundreds of studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the WHO’s cancer research arm, concluded that processed meats should be classified as cancer-causing to humans for colorectal cancer. Processed meats often contain pork or beef but can also contain other red meats, turkey, or chicken. Cancer-causing chemicals involved in processing and cooking may contribute to the higher risk of cancer from processed and red meats.
Unprocessed red meats were deemed “probably cancer-causing” by the IARC because evidence suggests a link between eating them and developing colorectal cancer, as well as pancreatic and prostate cancer.
Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard Chan School, said that the WHO report is “very significant from a public health point of view because processed red meats have already been linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic disease, and this provides convincing evidence that consuming processed meats…is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer in particular.”
It’s not necessary to totally give up processed meats, but to limit them instead, and to replace them with healthier sources of protein eg nuts, beans and peas.
“Have red meat the way we think of lobster, a special event, a few times a year”
Around the world, millions of people don’t get enough protein. Protein malnutrition leads to the condition known as kwashiokor. Lack of protein can cause growth failure, loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, weakening of the heart and respiratory system, and death.
*Culled from: Harvard T H Chan School Of Public Health.
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