27/03/2019
Beware the bacon in your keto diet
Many people have told me about the benefits of their keto diet recently. This is a diet high in protein and fat, and low in carbs. If keto is the thing for you then please evaluate your foods.
My fear is when I hear “Best diet ever . .. I have bacon and eggs for breakfast each day … “ Bacon is a processed meat. In 2015 the World Health Organisation listed processed meat as a Class 1 Carcinogen …the same classification as To***co and Asbestos. This means there is clear-cut evidence that processed meat causes cancer in humans - in this case colorectal cancer.
What is processed meat?
Any meat treated by smoking, salting, curing, fermentation etc. It includes ham, hot dogs, corned beef, salami, sausages, beef jerky and bacon.
How much do you have to eat to be at risk?
50 grams of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18%.
So about 2 strips of bacon a day would increase your risk.
If I have eaten bacon will I definitely get cancer?
No. Not every smoker gets cancer either …. carcinogens do not cause cancer in every person, every time. Your risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including how often you are exposed, how much you have, your genetics, and your other lifestyle habits (sleep, physical activity, alcohol, smoking).
But I love the keto diet
Look into healthy keto food options such as avocado, olives & nuts, and try to include seeds, fish, and other non-processed meats. Try to keep up your fibre and nutrients by exploring lower carb fruit and veg such as berries, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms etc. Speak to a dietician for detailed information or to help you plan some meal guides. See your GP and check your numbers (weight, BP, cholesterol, sugar) around any major diet change.
Perhaps consider avocado and eggs in the morning :)
According to the Global Burden of Disease Project, about 34 000 cancer deaths per year worldwide are attributable to diets high in processed meat.
