The World Health Organization has recently released a report linking the consumption of processed meat to cancer risk. The media coverage has left many people worried about what we should or should not eat.
First, we must really know what we are really eating. What is the so-called processed meat? The Blog Sport & Health talked to a Veterinarian, Mr. Flávio Viegas, who has been working in the food area for more than twelve years.
“Processed meat is the transformation and mixing of one or more types of meat, with the addition of salt, additives and/or preservatives. Such meats are submitted to a process of seasoning, smoking, fermentation or curing, with the objective of modifying the flavor, and giving the food a specific feature and a longer shelf life. For example: bacon, ham, sausage and frankfurters. The cold cuts have been given this name (“fitted” as they are called in Portuguese) because they are produced through a process of filling natural or artificial casings with various types of fillings such as specific meat, mixed or not with fat, among other meat byproducts “.
One of the most commonly consumed and processed food is the frankfurter, which is made of beef, pork and poultry, but rarely of noble meat parts.
They are made by taking advantage of leftovers and meat ends of the industrial process, or even mechanically recovered meat, to which spices, dyes, preservatives, etc, are added.
Other processed meats that are part of our everyday life are the sausages and ham.
To produce sausage and ham they often use more noble meats that also receive minimal preparation.
Each food has specific characteristics and they receive condiments adequate to their flavor and taste.
All right. Now we know what processed meats are. But can we say that they are responsible for developing cancer in people?
“We cannot say vehemently that the processed products would be responsible for the development of cancer in people as there are several other situations in life and in relation to consumption that can cause such disease,” says veterinarian Flávio Viegas.
“In the past people used to eat these kinds of food and did not get sick. Would it be because of ignorance, lack of diagnosis or simply because they did not develop the disease? It is difficult to know precisely. But one thing should be said: the addition of preservatives, additives and various chemicals in all these types of food (in order to ensure greater durability) may have carcinogenic properties”.
So, let’s be aware of these delicious foods, knowing that they can be dangerous.
“I do not think we should avoid any type food. The concept that some of them are bad or not is not 100% proven,” concluded Mr.Viegas. We should understand that we have to be aware that everything in excess can be harmful.
However, choosing healthy products, without the addition of preservatives and chemical additives is always the best choice. That’s my tip for you!
Many kisses to my dear friends!
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