Processed Meats

Processed and refined foods are a constant theme throughout my teachings and writings. Consumers must be aware that packages of Bologna, for example, are processed from high fat, low protein, less desirable pieces and parts of the animal. It’s important to know that all refined and processed meats contain health hazards, not just the cheap bologna.

It’s time to dispel a myth about a processed food type that tricks some people into poor nutrition decisions. That myth is that all “meats” are created equal. It‘s critically important that no one assumes that processed, luncheon-type meats satisfy any semblance of healthy eating criteria. I must be crystal clear on this point, or someone will be eating processed ham and thinking that they’re right on target. The worldwide effects of processed meats on health are staggering. Research performed to analyze the relationship between processed meats and disease found that its consumption was associated with an increased risk for obesity and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, some types of cancer, and a general increase in mortality [1,2]. It’s possible to get “no sodium–added” meat, which is not or very minimally processed, at the deli. You’ll have to ask questions of the staff; if you still have questions, ask to read the label. Better yet, don’t feed your family any meat purchased at a deli. Purchase meat for you and your family from grass-fed, free-range, and open-pasture sources.

1. Abete I, Romaguera D, Vieira AR, et al. Association between total, processed, red and white meat consumption and all-cause, CVD and IHD mortality: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Br J Nutr. 2014;112(5):762–775.

2. Rohrmann S, Overvad K, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, et al. Meat consumption and mortality - results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. BMC Med. 2013;11:63.

Wayne Coolidge M.Ed., Master Wellness Consultant. You can contact Wayne for individual or corporate health/wellness consultation or speaking engagements