Hello everyone,
I’m Yoko Maeda, a supervising doctor at BIANCA Cosmetic Internal Medicine.
Did you know there’s a type of food that’s said to cause cancer just like smoking? This food, often found on our dining tables, may not be as healthy as you think.
Does Processed Meat Cause Cancer?
Processed meats, such as sausages, bacon, and ham, are long-lasting compared to fresh meat, which typically has a shelf life of 1–3 days. Because of their convenience, many people consume processed meats daily.
Processed meat refers to any meat product that has been preserved or enhanced in flavor through processing techniques. Examples include sausages, bacon, ham, corned beef, beef jerky, canned meats, prepared meat products, and fish sausages.
Why Does Processed Meat Increase Cancer Risk?
The cancer risk associated with processed meat is linked to the following components:
- Heme, a red pigment found in red meat, one of the main ingredients.
- Additives like nitrates and nitrites used as preservatives.
- Amines, substances generated during high-temperature processing of the meat.
These three components are believed to be carcinogenic, raising concerns about the dangers of processed meat.
Processed Meat and Colon Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies substances based on cancer risk into five groups: Group 1, Group 2A, Group 2B, Group 3, and Group 4.
According to evaluations by 22 experts from 10 countries:
- Processed meat is classified as Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans.
- Red meat is classified as Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans.
Group 1 substances, such as processed meat, are in the same category as tobacco smoke and alcohol in terms of evidence for carcinogenicity. It has been reported that harmful components in processed meat may accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of colon cancer.
Should You Completely Avoid Processed Meat?
However, this does not mean you need to completely eliminate processed meat from your diet. The carcinogenic risk from processed meat is significantly lower than that of smoking.
Studies show that eating 50g of processed meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by approximately 18%. Overconsumption can harm health, so if you eat processed meat every day, it’s advisable to limit your intake.
Consider replacing processed meats with regular meat or protein sources like plant-based soy products or fish. Maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle is also essential for good health.
Cancer Is Now the Leading Cause of Death in Japan
In the past, infectious diseases like tuberculosis were the primary causes of death. Today, cancer is the leading cause of death from illness in Japan. This change may be influenced by the adoption of Western diets, which include processed meats like sausages, bacon, and ham.
Diet plays a critical role in building our bodies. Paying attention to what we eat is vital for anti-aging care. If you’re interested in anti-aging strategies, feel free to schedule a consultation with us.
Bookings are available on website or dm us @bianca_clinic_tokyo 🙂