Why Eating More Processed Meat Increases Your Risk for Serious Health Problems

Meat?

Processed meat refers to meat that has been modified to improve its flavor, appearance, or shelf life.

Common methods include:

  • Curing
  • Salting
  • Smoking
  • Fermenting
  • Drying
  • Adding preservatives

Examples include:

  • Bacon
  • Sausages
  • Hot dogs
  • Ham
  • Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Corned beef
  • Some packaged deli meats

Not every processed meat product is identical.

The ingredients, preparation methods, sodium content, preservatives, and fat content can vary considerably.

Why Is Processed Meat a Concern?

One reason processed meat receives attention from health researchers is that it can contain several components that may be harmful when