Processed Meat Raises Health Risk, Says Study

A new study has revealed that consumption of processed meats including salami, bacon, sausage and hot dogs could raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

US researchers have found that a 1.8oz (50g) serving of processed meat, one to two slices of deli meat or one hot dog a day can lead to a 42% higher risk of heart disease and a 19% higher risk of developing diabetes.

The study indicated consuming products containing salt and chemical preservatives may cause health problems.

Processed meats, preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or with the addition of chemical preservatives, contain on average four times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives, it revealed.

The researchers found no higher heart or diabetes risk in people who ate only unprocessed red meats.