Sausages, bacon tied to early deaths? Processed Meats Raise The Risk Of Cancer And Heart Disease, Says Study

London: The bacon and sausage on your plate or those steaming hot pies are increasing your chances of premature death from cancer and heart disease. Processed meat is to blame for one in 30 early deaths, a large-scale study has now found. 

    The EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) study involving 10 countries and 23 centres in Europe and almost half a million people has found that risk of premature death increased with the amount of processed meat eaten by a person. According to the study, even one sausage a day is bad for your health. 
    The researchers say that salting, curing and smoking of meat gives rise to carcinogens like nitrosamines, and these may be the cause of the increased cancer mortality. 
    Processed meat products are also high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which are linked with increased risk of heart and circulatory disease. 
    Professor Sabine Rohrmann from the University of Zurich, who led this analysis explained, "Risks of dying earlier from cancer and cardiovascular disease increased with the amount of processed meat eaten such as sausages,salami or ham. Overall, we estimate that 3% of premature deaths each year could be prevented if people ate less than 20g processed meat per day." 
    According to the study, those who eat more than 40g of processed meats daily or other types of meat, are at risk of premature death. 
    In general a diet rich in processed meat is linked to other unhealthy food choices. 
    Men and women who eat more processed meat, consume less of fruits and vegetables and are more likely to smoke. Men who ate a lot of meat also tended to have a high alcohol consumption. 
    Vegetarians on the other hand often lead a healthier lufe, they exercise more and also smoke less. 
    Last year, the World Cancer Research Fund, a 21-member elite panel analysed over 7,000 studies carried out in the last 40 years to access the actual links between lifestyle and cancer. The panel's report — Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer — made some crucial recommendations. The scientists confirmed that carrying extra weight, particularly around the waist, increased chances of cancer of the oesophagus, pancreas, colon, kidney and uterus, as well as postmenopausal breast cancer.

SAY NO TO LIVE LONGER