{"id":14062,"date":"2025-07-21T23:19:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T23:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/14062\/"},"modified":"2025-07-21T23:19:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T23:19:08","slug":"even-a-small-amount-of-processed-meat-increases-health-risks-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/14062\/","title":{"rendered":"Even a small amount of processed meat increases health risks, study finds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open this photo in gallery:<\/a><\/p>\n

A recent study suggests that regular intake of processed meat \u2013 which includes ham, bacon, deli meat, sausages and hot dogs \u2013 could increase the risk of colorectal cancer and Type 2 diabetes.The Associated Press<\/p>\n

There\u2019s abundant evidence that eating lots of processed meat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and, most notably, colorectal cancer. <\/p>\n

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, there is no intake level of processed meat that does not pose a colorectal cancer risk. <\/p>\n

Now, findings from a large review of research add to the increasing body of evidence that underscores the harmful health effects of processed meat. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to know about the latest research, plus why you don\u2019t have to completely abandon your summer hot dog.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s considered processed meat?<\/p>\n

Processed meat refers to meat \u2013 red meat and poultry \u2013 that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives. <\/p>\n

Ham, bacon, pastrami, salami, deli meats, beef jerky, sausages and hot dogs, for example, are processed meats. <\/p>\n

Commercially produced burgers can also fall into the processed meat category if they\u2019re preserved with chemicals.<\/p>\n

About the new study<\/p>\n

For the study, published June 30 in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers analyzed dozens of previous studies that investigated the relationship between processed meat and risk of colorectal cancer, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.<\/p>\n

To assess the connection between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer, 18 studies involving 2,678,052 participants were reviewed. <\/p>\n

All studies controlled for age and sex and most adjusted for other risk factors including body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, calorie intake and physical activity. <\/p>\n

On average, eating 50 grams of processed meat a day \u2013 versus none \u2013 was tied to a 26 per cent increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. <\/p>\n

A healthy diet helps with heart health, even without weight loss<\/a><\/p>\n

For perspective, 50 g of processed meat is equivalent to roughly four slices of cooked bacon, three slices of packaged deli ham or two-thirds of a jumbo-sized hot dog (75 g). A standard-sized hot dog typically weighs 38 g.<\/p>\n

To examine processed meat intake and Type 2 diabetes risk, 16 studies with a total of 1,115,885 participants were reviewed. The studies accounted for other influences such as age, sex, body mass index and dietary factors. <\/p>\n

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes was, on average, 30 per cent higher for a daily intake of 50 g of processed meat compared to none. <\/p>\n

The researchers also conservatively estimated that consuming processed meat within the range of 0.6 to 57 g per day, compared to consuming none, was associated with, on average, at least a 7 per cent higher risk of colorectal cancer and an 11 per cent higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n

The risk of colorectal cancer and Type 2 diabetes rose as consumption increased. <\/p>\n

Notably, health risks increased the fastest at low intake levels, suggesting there is no \u201csafe\u201d amount of processed meat with respect to colorectal cancer or Type 2 diabetes risk.<\/p>\n

A regular intake of processed meat was also tied to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This finding, however, wasn\u2019t statistically significant, meaning it could have occurred by chance.<\/p>\n

Open this photo in gallery:<\/a><\/p>\n

A meat counter at a Montreal grocery store in 2020. On average, eating 50 grams of processed meat a day was tied to a 26-per-cent increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.Paul Chiasson\/The Canadian Press<\/p>\n

How processed meats may harm health<\/p>\n

A high intake of processed meat is thought to increase visceral fat (deep abdominal fat) and inflammation. <\/p>\n

Processed meat is also typically high in sodium and saturated fat.<\/p>\n

As well, chemical compounds in cooked processed meat called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been shown to induce tumours in experimental studies. <\/p>\n

Heme iron in processed red meat may promote colon tumours by stimulating the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. Processed meat can also contain nitrate additives, which can contribute to the formation of N-nitroso compounds in the body.<\/p>\n

Health risks of sugary drinks<\/p>\n

The new study also analyzed previous studies that examined the link between chronic disease risk and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), which include pop, iced tea, lemonade, sports drinks, energy drinks and sugary coffee drinks.<\/p>\n

Consuming 250 g (eight ounces) of SSB per day, compared to none, was associated with a 20 per cent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 7 per cent greater risk of developing coronary heart disease.<\/p>\n

A high intake of added sugars, especially in liquid form, contributes to elevated inflammatory markers in the bloodstream and accumulation of harmful visceral fat.<\/p>\n

Limitations of the new research<\/p>\n

The analysis included studies that were observational and, as such, found associations between diet<\/a> and chronic disease. The findings don\u2019t prove there is a causal relationship.<\/p>\n

As well, participants self-reported their dietary intake. Memory errors can occur when trying to recall long-term food intake. <\/p>\n

Takeaway<\/p>\n

Despites these limitations, the new findings are very consistent with prior research. <\/p>\n

They reinforce recommendations to avoid or minimize the consumption of processed meat and sugar-sweetened drinks to improve health.<\/p>\n

If processed meat and\/or sugary drinks are a regular part of your diet, it\u2019s wise to cut back. <\/p>\n

Remember, too, it\u2019s your overall dietary pattern that matters when it comes to health.<\/p>\n

A diet that\u2019s plentiful in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and pulses can, if you like, include the occasional hot dog. <\/p>\n

Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based private practice dietitian, is director of food and nutrition at Medcan. Follow her on X @LeslieBeckRD<\/a><\/p>\n