The temptation of 'tasty' processed foods such as sausages or nuggets is indeed very hard to resist. As the name implies, those foods have been processed, which make them delicious and practical for consumption.

However, many studies have shown the negative effects of these processed foods. Processed foods are known for their high sugar, fat, and salt content. In the previous article, it was explained that the high acid content in processed foods could cause molecular changes in the fetus and increase the risk of autism. Other studies also show that excessive consumption of processed foods can affect the heart.

Not only that, in 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies processed meat as a carcinogen Group 1. This is based on the many studies that have found that processed meat can cause cancer in humans. However, in the results of a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, the researchers found that not all processed meat can increase this risk. The content of nitrites in processed meat has an important role.

Processed meats such as sausages, corned beef, ham, bacon, and frankfurters are processed foods that we usually consume everyday. In the production process, some producers add sodium nitrite to their processed foods to enhance their color or extend their shelf life. The researchers found that processed meat containing nitrites was associated with higher risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, up to 65%.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Crowe, W., Elliott, C.T., and Green, B.D. (2019). A Review of the In Vivo Evidence Investigating the Role of Nitrite from Processed Meat Consumption in the Development of Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112673.
• Medical News Today - Processed meat and cancer links depends on nitrite content (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327365.php#1, 26 December 2019.