So much has been said about the negative health effects of processed meats. Consuming high-sodium, pre-packaged products like bacon, hot dogs and other meats can impact your skin, weight and overall health if eaten excessively. Read on for expert tips regarding these foods and similar options at your local grocery store, and why avoiding them or eating them in moderation will benefit your health in the long run.
We previously spoke with health expert Sam Nabil, CEO and Lead Therapist of Naya Clinics about the danger of excessively eating processed meats and how doing so can slow your metabolism. “A piece of a hot dog alone can pack in 500 mg of sodium and a couple of slices of deli ham can have around 250 mg,” says Nabil, who suggests opting for “fresh meat or fresh fish” instead.
Dermatologist Dr. Paula Morgan recently advised us against processed meats since they are often high in sugar, low in nutrients and usually contain additives that can damage cells. “Processed foods and meats are filled with saturated fats and nitrates, both of which can lead to inflammation of the skin,” says Morgan.
Consuming a heavy amount of processed foods and meats can not only affect your aging skin, but your overall health as well. This can also include increasing risks and higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If you often eat processed meat and are a fan of bacon, it’s important to be aware that no matter how delicious it is, its many cons often outweigh the pros when prioritizing your overall health.
Since health experts deem processed meats to be one of the worst things you could buy from the grocery store this year, let’s break down the health drawbacks of several popular kinds.
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Dangers of Excessive Bacon & Breakfast Sausages
Speaking to Fox News, health expert Dr. Reyzan Shali, M.D., explains how bacon can affect your body in similar ways that tobacco can. "Many don’t know that the World Health Organization has classified bacon in the same category as tobacco when it comes to carcinogenesis," says Shali, referring to the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. "We have done a good job asking people to give up tobacco, but how come we have not done a good job asking people to not eat bacon?"
As for the popular alternative, turkey bacon, Shali notes that it's the processing that makes the meat harmful, so "replacing bacon with turkey bacon" to make it healthier is misguided. "All types of bacon are processed to become bacon, so changing the type of bacon does not change the fact that it’s processed meat" adds Shali.
Breakfast sausages are another immensely popular processed meat, and one that Shali advises her patients to avoid. "According to a study [published in Current Atherosclerosis Reports titled] ‘Unprocessed Red and Processed Meats and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease, the available evidence points to strong associations of processed meat consumption with the incidence of coronary heart disorder (CHD)," says Shali.
Many of us have consumed products like these for years, and might find them hard to replace or consume less. Shali acknowledges this, and says, "I know that is not easy, and I have found that helping them take small steps over time can help get them detached from these dangerous breakfast treats."
Overall, cutting out processed meats from your diet can take time. You don't have to give them up entirely, but being aware of the harm that excessive amounts can bring to your health is vital. During your next trip to the grocery store, these tips are crucial to keep in mind.
