01/08/2025
š« No Amount of Processed Meat Is Safe, New Study Warns š„š
Bad news for bacon loversāgroundbreaking research from the University of Washington has found that even small amounts of processed meat can pose serious health risks. After reviewing over 70 studies involving millions of people, researchers discovered that eating just one hot dog a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11% and colorectal cancer by 7%, compared to not eating any.
The study highlights the dangers of processed meatsāincluding bacon, sausages, ham, salami, jerky, and anything thatās smoked, salted, cured, or chemically preserved. The risk doesn't end there: the analysis also showed that ultra-processed foods like sugary drinks and trans fats carry significant health dangers. Drinking one extra sugar-sweetened beverage a day raises the risk of diabetes by 8% and heart disease by 2%, while even minimal intake of trans fats ups the chance of heart disease by 3%.
Though the data is based on self-reported eating habits and observational studies, researchers used a highly conservative methodāmeaning the actual risks may be even higher. Their message is clear: thereās no truly āsafeā level of processed meat or ultra-processed food. While these products can offer convenience and longer shelf life, especially in areas with limited access to fresh foods, their long-term impact on health is far from benign.
š The bottom line: Cutting back is better than searching for a āsafeā amount. Your body will thank you.
š Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington
Published in Nature Medicine (July 2024)