Foods such as sausages, sausages and bacon can cause cancer because they are smoked, and the substances present in the smoke from the smoking process, preservatives such as nitrites and nitrates. These chemicals act by irritating the intestinal wall and causing small lesions in the cells, and daily consumption of around 50g of these types of meat already increases the chances of developing intestinal cancer, especially colorectal cancer.
Furthermore, a diet rich in sausages and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains contains little fiber, which slows down the intestine and means that the carcinogens in these meats stay in contact with the intestine for longer.
What are processed meats
Processed meats, also known as sausages, are bacon, sausage, sausage, ham, mortadella, salami, corned beef, turkey breast and turkey blanquet.
Processed meat is any type of meat that has been transformed by salting, curing, fermenting, smoking and other processes or adding chemical compounds to enhance flavor, color or increase its shelf life.
Health risks
Frequent consumption of processed meats can be harmful to your health as they are rich in chemical compounds added by industry or formed during processing, such as nitrites, nitrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds cause damage to intestinal cells, which can lead to changes in DNA and the consequent emergence of cancer.
Furthermore, these meats are often consumed together with unhealthy foods, such as white bread, refined oils such as soybean oil or hydrogenated fat, and soft drinks in general, foods that increase the risk of obesity and diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes and problems cardiac.
Recommended quantity
According to the WHO, consuming 50g of processed meat per day increases the risk of developing cancer, especially colorectal cancer. This amount is equivalent to around 2 slices of bacon, 2 slices of ham or 1 sausage per day, for example.
Therefore, the ideal is to avoid consuming these foods on a regular basis, replacing them with natural meats such as chicken, fish, eggs, red meat and cheese.
Check out a list of other potentially carcinogenic foods
Foods that have components that are associated with the development of cancer are:
- Picklesas it also contains nitrites and nitrates to help preserve and flavor food, which irritate the intestinal wall and cause changes in cells, causing cancer;
- Smoked meatsbecause the smoke used when smoking meat is rich in tar, a carcinogenic substance similar to that in cigarette smoke;
- Very salty foodssuch as sun-dried meat and beef jerky, as more than 5 g of salt per day can damage stomach cells and cause cellular changes that lead to the appearance of tumors;
- Sodium cyclamate sweetenerpresent in sweeteners and light or diet foods, such as soft drinks and yogurts, as excess of this substance increases the risk of problems such as allergies and cancer.
Fried foods can also increase the risk of cancer, as when the oil reaches temperatures above 180ºC, heterocyclic amines are formed, substances that stimulate the formation of tumors.
Discover the myths and truths about red and white meat and make the best choices for your health.
