The World Health Organization has recently released a report linking the consumption\u00a0of processed meat to cancer risk. The media coverage has left many people worried\u00a0about what we should or should not eat.<\/p>\n
First, we must really know what we are really eating. What is the so-called processed\u00a0meat? The Blog Sport & Health talked to a Veterinarian, Mr. Fl\u00e1vio Viegas, who has\u00a0been working in the food area for more than twelve years.<\/p>\n
“Processed meat is the transformation and mixing of one or more types of meat, with\u00a0the addition of salt, additives and\/or preservatives. Such meats are submitted to a\u00a0process of seasoning, smoking, fermentation or curing, with the objective of modifying\u00a0the flavor, and giving the food a specific feature and a longer shelf life. For example:\u00a0bacon, ham, sausage and frankfurters. The cold cuts have been given this name (\u201cfitted\u201d\u00a0as they are called in Portuguese) because they are produced through a process of filling\u00a0natural or artificial casings with various types of fillings such as specific meat, mixed or\u00a0not with fat, among other meat byproducts “.<\/p>\n
One of the most commonly consumed and processed food is the frankfurter, which is\u00a0made of beef, pork and poultry, but rarely of noble meat parts.<\/p>\n
They are made by taking advantage of leftovers and meat ends of the industrial process,\u00a0or even mechanically recovered meat, to which spices, dyes, preservatives, etc, are\u00a0added.<\/p>\n
Other processed meats that are part of our everyday life are the sausages and ham.<\/p>\n
To produce sausage and ham they often use more noble meats that also receive minimal\u00a0preparation.<\/p>\n
Each food has specific characteristics and they receive condiments adequate to their\u00a0flavor and taste.<\/p>\n
All right. Now we know what processed meats are. But can we say that they are\u00a0responsible for developing cancer in people?<\/p>\n
“We cannot say vehemently that the processed products would be responsible for the\u00a0development of cancer in people as there are several other situations in life and in\u00a0relation to consumption that can cause such disease,” says veterinarian Fl\u00e1vio Viegas.<\/p>\n
“In the past people used to eat these kinds of food and did not get sick.\u00a0Would it be because of ignorance, lack of diagnosis or simply because they did not\u00a0develop the disease? It is difficult to know precisely.\u00a0But one thing should be said: the addition of preservatives, additives and various\u00a0chemicals in all these types of food (in order to ensure greater durability) may have\u00a0carcinogenic properties”.<\/p>\n
So, let’s be aware of these delicious foods, knowing that they can be dangerous.<\/p>\n
“I do not think we should avoid any type food. The concept that some of them are bad\u00a0or not is not 100% proven,” concluded Mr.Viegas.\u00a0We should understand that we have to be aware that everything in excess can be\u00a0harmful.<\/p>\n
However, choosing healthy products, without the addition of preservatives and\u00a0chemical additives is always the best choice. That\u2019s my tip for you!<\/p>\n
Many kisses to my dear friends!<\/p>\n
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