Red meat and processed meats or sausages are at the heart of the debate in recent years. Accused of being carcinogenic by doctors and shunned by vegetarians in the name of loving animals, are these foods really dangerous to health? If so, how to recognize them?
Transformed meat is any meat that has undergone changes that will alter its original state in order to improve its taste or preservation. We can include in this category the sausages, hot dogs, ham, canned meats and many other varieties of meats. All these products have been subjected to smoking process, fermentation, salting or maceration.
Red meats are well known for their red color. such as the meat of pork, lamb, veal, sheep or goat.
According to a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), these foods can increase the risk of developing cancers, including colorectal cancer.
According to a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), these foods can increase the risk of developing cancers, including colorectal cancer.
The group of IARC scientists analyzed more than 800 studies on cancer and concluded that consumption of meats or processed meats actually increased the risk of cancer. According to them, the risk grows as the amount consumed. Thus, a portion of 50 grams of sausage a day increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%!
As for red meat, IARC says it can be difficult to decide on carcinogenicity, since the indications are insufficient. That is to say that red meat consumption is positively associated with colorectal cancer risk, but other explanations may also come into consideration.
This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified red meat as "probably carcinogenic" while processed meat was clearly classified as carcinogenic to humans, either in the same category as tobacco.
How red meat and processed meats Are carcinogens?
The carcinogenicity of red meat and processed meats can be explained by various factors, including the processing and cooking process.
During processing or cooking meat, chemical substances may form. Some of them, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitroso compounds and heterocyclic aromatic amines are carcinogenic.
During processing or cooking meat, chemical substances may form. Some of them, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitroso compounds and heterocyclic aromatic amines are carcinogenic.
The ingredients used in the transformation process also play a role in the increased risk of cancer.
Remember that diets high in processed meats are causing 34 000 cancer deaths per year. It is therefore vital to reduce consumption of processed meat and red meat at the same time. We must also pay close attention to their composition and choose the least harmful to health.
Remember that diets high in processed meats are causing 34 000 cancer deaths per year. It is therefore vital to reduce consumption of processed meat and red meat at the same time. We must also pay close attention to their composition and choose the least harmful to health.
How to choose the deli?
It is very important to read the ingredient list of products you buy to know its composition. Some products contain very dangerous food additives for health or carcinogenic, and therefore should be avoided.
The first thing to look for in a delicatessen products, whether sausages, hot dogs or salami is the inscription "VSM". VSM or Mechanically Separated Meat refers to meat or pasta, which were obtained by removal of animal bones or poultry carcasses, using mechanical means, inducing impaired muscle fiber structure. These have a lower nutritional quality and may include bone residues which are deposited all hormones, antibiotics and heavy metals that the animals consumed.
Thus, all foods with MSM inclusion in the list of ingredients must be avoided, like those that contain emulsifiers (E249, E250, E251 and E252). The emulsifiers can cause nitrosamine formation, a dangerous chemical compound, classified as a carcinogen. Also avoid foods that contain polyphosphate (E451, E452 and E453), since they are genotoxic and can damage your DNA and cause mutations.
Finally, be careful with products that include carrageenan (E407), a thickening product that is linked to various gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal lesions and colon cancer