Processed Meats Increase Heart Disease, Diabetes and Cancer Risk

19%. The two diseases account for 700,000 deaths annually in the US, a number
which could be significantly decreased by making sensible dietary modifications.

Heart Disease Risk Can Be Slashed

The study was one of the first to separate processed meat products from
unprocessed beef, pork or lamb. Based on this information, it's possible to determine
that the higher fat levels in meat are not the direct cause of increased disease risk.
The high sodium and chemical preservative content of the processed meats are
linked to the dramatic increased incidence previously associated with meat
consumption in general.

Sodium is a known factor in heart disease as it increases blood pressure and causes
changes to the blood's ability to properly clot. People eating the highest amount of
processed meats take in nearly three times the daily recommended amount of salt.

Although this study did not find a direct link to heart disease from unprocessed meat
consumption, it's still advisable to moderate the amount of beef and pork as typical
cooking methods lead to the accumulation of aging byproducts known as AGE's
(anti-glycation end products). Based on the results of this study, 300,000 lives could
be spared each year by scaling back or eliminating processed meats.

Cancer Incidence Linked To Chemical Preservatives

Sodium Nitrite is the main preservative used in processing, and adds a healthy
looking fleshy red color to the meat. Those consuming the highest amounts of nitrite
through processed meats have shown a 67% increase in pancreatic cancer and a
74% increase in leukemia. Digestive cancers such as those of the stomach and colon
are twice as common among those who eat the largest amount of processed meats.

We have not evolved to eat food which has been pumped full of preservative
chemicals and sodium. Processed meats have been artificially manipulated to appeal
to our taste with no regard to the mountain of evidence demonstrating it is slowly
leading to our demise.

Total meat consumption should be limited due to the excess calories and potential
for weight gain, while processed products need to be eliminated from our diet, or
minimized to an occasional treat. This study proves with sobering scientific fact that
one small dietary change could have a large impact on the rest on our life.

Read More Expert Advice on Diet, Health and Nutrition

About The Author

John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting
edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and
improve the quality and length of life. Visit My to continue
reading the latest health news updates.

Processed meat consumption is
surging as Americans gobble up hot
dogs, sausage and cold cuts in record
numbers. We're paying the ultimate
price for this inexpensive, easy
preparation food source as the risk of
heart disease, cancer and diabetes
have been conclusively linked to
processed meat products.

The results of a large study published
in Circulation clearly demonstrate that
even small quantities of processed
meats, as small as 2 ounces eaten
daily, increases the risk of heart
disease by 42% and diabetes by

Processed Meats Increase Heart Disease, Diabetes and
Cancer Risk by John L. Phillip

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.