Processed Meat Threat to Heart Health

Eating processed meats increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to new research from the US.

The research contradicts traditionally held beliefs that eating unprocessed red meat, and not processed meat, can lead to problems such as heart disease.

Processed meats contain about four times the amount of sodium and twice the amount of nitrate preservatives compared to unprocessed meat, according to research by University of Harvard scientists.

The data, analysed from 20 studies totalling about 1.2 million participants, showed that 23,889 respondents contracted coronary heart disease while 2,280 reported having a stroke.

The report also showed that 10,797 participants have diabetes.

For every 50gm serving, the risk for heart disease jumps 42% and the risk for diabetes increases by 19%, it said.

Processed meat in the study refers to any meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or through the addition of chemical preservatives.