Processed Meat How Much is TOO Much? (Spoiler It's Zero)

Massive Review Finds No 'Safe' Level of Processed Meat Consumption

We all know that processed meat isn't exactly a health food, with links to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and even cancer. But is there a "safe" level of consumption? A groundbreaking new review suggests the answer is a resounding no.

Researchers from the University of Washington meticulously analyzed over 70 previous studies, encompassing several million participants, to investigate the connection between ultra-processed foods and three significant health concerns: type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and colorectal cancer.

The analysis focused on processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fatty acids. The results, published in Nature Medicine, paint a concerning picture, particularly for processed meat.

Key Findings:

• No Safe Level: "The monotonic increases in health risk with increased consumption of processed meat suggest that there is not a 'safe' amount of processed meat consumption with respect to diabetes or colorectal cancer risk," the researchers state.
• Even Small Amounts Matter: Minimal increases in processed meat consumption were associated with increased risk levels.
• Concrete Examples: The equivalent of one hot dog a day was linked to at least an 11 percent greater risk of type 2 diabetes and at least a 7 percent greater risk of colorectal cancer, compared to eating no processed meat.
• Sugary Drinks: An extra can of sugar-sweetened pop daily was associated with an 8 percent greater risk of type 2 diabetes and a 2 percent greater risk of ischemic heart disease.
• Trans Fatty Acids: Even a small daily amount of trans fatty acids was linked to a 3 percent increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease.

Nutrition biologist Demewoz Haile from the University of Washington emphasized to CNN that "Habitual consumption of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is linked to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer."

Putting the Research in Context:

It's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the research:

• The associations found are relatively weak and don't prove direct cause and effect.
• The analyzed studies relied on self-reported dietary habits, which may not be completely accurate.

However, the study's strengths are equally important:

• It employs a Burden of Proof method, a conservative approach that likely underestimates the true health risks.
• The sheer scale of the review, encompassing numerous studies and participants, lends significant weight to the findings.

The researchers highlight the implications for public health, stating, "This information provides critical data for public health specialists and policymakers responsible for dietary guidelines and potential initiatives that aim to reduce the consumption of these processed foods."

While acknowledging the role of ultra-processed foods in improving food accessibility and shelf life (as highlighted in a commentary in the same journal), the overall message is clear: minimizing consumption of ultra-processed foods is the best course of action for our health.

This research serves as a powerful reminder to be mindful of our dietary choices and consider reducing our intake of processed meats for a healthier future. It's not about deprivation, but about making informed decisions that prioritize long-term well-being.

Tags: Processed meat, health risks, cancer risk, diabetes, ultra-processed food, unhealthy food, meat consumption, health research, diet, food risk

Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/massive-review-finds-no-safe-level-of-processed-meat-consumption