According to a recent study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), daily consumption of bacon and processed meats increases our risk of developing cancer; giving those of us looking to live a healthier lifestyle another incentive to ditch the daily fry-up.
The study out last month classifies processed meat as carcinogenic, alongside arsenic and asbestos that can lead to the generation of cancerous cells in the body. As little as 50g a day (less than one sausage) increases your chance of bowel cancer by one fifth.
Why Are Processed Meats Bad for Me?
We all know that fried foods are a big no-no when it comes to healthy eating, but what does that have to do with processed foods? Well, modified, processed and fried foods, such as ham, bacon and sausages, can’t break down properly in our bodies and remain in our kidneys, liver, intestines, and colon for extended periods of time. 
Processed meat is made by smoking, curing, salting, and often adding chemicals and preservatives such as nitrates, and these preserving techniques are dangerous as they raise the levels of cancer-causing chemicals.
Which Meats Are Included in the Study?
The term “processed meat” describes anything that has been treated in this way, using chemicals to help prolong its shelf-life.
Processed meats include ham, salami, sausages, frankfurters, pate and chorizo. So while this is bad news for meat lovers out there and the meat industry in general, there is one silver lining in this worrisome study – most mince from butchers and supermarkets does not count as processed meat, so the key is to avoid freeze-wrapped packaging.
So it’s Bye-Bye BLT?
Well, not exactly. While there has been growing evidence about the probable link between processed meat and bowel cancer, that doesn’t mean you need to cut it out of your diet completely.
Government guidelines introduced in 2011 recommended that adults eat no more than 70g of processed meat each day, which is now considered as too high and will more than likely be revised to 20g after the WHO’s findings.
Be sensible about your consumption and try substituting it where possible by changing your lunchtime BLT to cheese or egg, and having chicken or fish for dinner instead of sausages. But eating a bacon bap every once in a while isn't going to do you any harm – having and maintaining a healthy diet is all about moderation.
The Fresher the Better
While there were also links to red meat and cancer, there are many advantages to eating red meat, as it is high in protein, iron and vitamin B12. It’s far better to eat fresh red meat over processed meat, as it does not contain the chemicals in question.
Try to increase your intake of fresh meat and vegetables, and food and drink made without preservatives. Not only will your body look and feel better but you’ll be reducing your risk of developing potentially fatal diseases later on.
