Processed Meats May Pose Risk for Developing CHD or DMII

According to a study conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, processed meats may be associated with 42% higher risk of cardiovascular heart disease [CHD] and a 19% higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes [DMII]. Examples of processed meats include sausage, salami, hot dogs, deli meats, and bacon.

The study, conducted by Renata Micha, Sarah K. Wallace, and Dariush Mozaffarian, reviewed the dietary habits of over 400k adults worldwide. They found that eating 50 grams daily is associated with greater risk. Fifty grams is typically 1-2 slices of deli meat, 2 slices of bacon, or 1 hot dog. Eating unprocessed meats [steak and hamburgers] demonstrated a 20% risk for developing DMII.

Micha, Wallace, and Mozaffarian found that while unprocessed and processed meats contain about the same amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, processed meats contain four times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives. Their preliminary recommendations are that dietary guidelines should focus on reducing the intake of processed meats. They also recommended eating only one serving per WEEK or less to minimize negative health consequences.

Because hot dogs are the most eaten foods among older adults, this study is particularly important for minimizing serious health risks in the older population.

Sources:

Video: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/multimedia/Video/2010/processedmeat/index.html

Harvard School of Public Health. Monday, May 17, 2010. "Eating Processed Meats, but Not Unprocessed Red Meats, May Raise Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes." http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2010-releases/processed-meats-unprocessed

Micha, R., Wallace, S.K., & Mozaffarian, D. (2010). Red and processed meat consumption and risk of incident coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Circulation - Journal of the American Heart Association, 121, pp 2271-2283. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONaha.109.924977