The Dangers of Processed Meat: How It Clogs Your Arteries and More

Processed meat, a common staple in many diets, may seem like a convenient meal option but it comes with a host of health risks. From clogging your arteries to increasing the risk of various cancers, here is a detailed look at why you should reconsider your processed meat intake.

What Is Processed Meat?

Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Examples include hot dogs, frankfurters, ham, sausages, corned beef, biltong or beef jerky, and canned meat. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines processed meat as following:

“Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Most processed meats contain pork or beef, but processed meats may also contain other red meats, poultry, offal, or meat by-products such as blood.”

How Does Processed Meat Clog Your Arteries?

Processed meats carry significantly higher levels of fat and sodium compared to their unprocessed counterparts. This can contribute to high cholesterol levels, leading to an accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Over time, this plaque buildup can restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

The Surprising Risks of Processed Meat

Colorectal Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meat as a carcinogen for humans, linking it to colorectal cancer. In fact, consuming even a single hot dog or a few strips of bacon daily can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. This risk is further supported by studies conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AIRC), which concluded that there is clear evidence linking processed meat to cancer.

Prostate Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, and Breast Cancer Risk

In addition to colorectal cancer, processed meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. A study involving over 200,000 women found that eating just 20 grams of processed meat daily increased the risk of breast cancer by 21%. This risk is significant and highlights the detrimental effects of these foods on overall health.

Process Meat and Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Disease and Death

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (JAMA) found that people consuming more than 150 grams of processed meat per week had a 46% higher risk of heart disease and a 51% higher risk of death compared to those who did not consume any processed meat. Another National Institutes of Health (NIH) study involving over half a million people found that individuals with high processed meat consumption had a greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, research published in JAMA in 2012 associated processed meat consumption with 57,766 deaths from cardiometabolic diseases that same year.

Conclusion

Given the alarming health risks associated with processed meat, it is crucial to consider alternatives. Choosing lean meats, plant-based proteins, and focusing on a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of artery clogging and other health issues. Make informed choices to prioritize your health and well-being.

Keywords: processed meat, artery clogging, cancer risk