Other types of snackable protein picks include roasted chickpeas, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. Back in 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified processed meat as a carcinogen, which is just what it sounds like — something that causes cancer — because these foods have been shown to raise the risk of colon cancer and potentially other forms of cancer. They can still label their product ‘nitrate-free’, because those are natural and not synthetic, but they are nitrates nonetheless.” In other words, once you ingest deli turkey or chicken or ham made with celery powder or another natural preservative, you’re still consuming nitrates — it’s just in a different form. Use an indoor grill that allows fat to drip off (don’t pan-fry). “Many companies are using celery powder, celery juice or celery salt, which are high in nitrates. And that includes deli meat — whether red (like roast beef or ham) or white (like turkey or chicken). “They use natural sources of preservatives,” she says. There have also been studies linking processed meats to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. The healthier pick: a hot dog or a hamburger? Doyle explains that these natural meats (including chicken and turkey) are still processed, and they’re still made with nitrates. Processed meat is a meat that has been treated in some way to preserve or flavor it through salting, curing, fermenting, and smoking. Turkey bacon may also be used as a substitute for bacon where religious restrictions forbid the consumption of pork. It’s not only a healthier alternative, but mushrooms have a rich, meaty flavor known as umami, so they’re a good swap for other umami-rich foods, like bacon. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Have sautéed or roasted mushrooms instead of bacon. Select reduced-sodium varieties. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. “The current evidence suggests the higher intake of processed meat, the higher the risk of chronic diseases and mortality,” says Frank B. Hu, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H.

Is that off the hook? Or buy a rotisserie chicken from your supermarket to use as a sandwich filling or salad topper throughout the week. Turkey bacon is often praised as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. Seven questions about processed meat — explained. But there’s a catch.

Once you. Don’t add oil or butter during cooking. To answer these pressing questions, we turned to Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, Managing Director, Nutrition and Physical Activity at the American Cancer Society. “And, it’s pretty high in sodium.

Doyle says that while she hasn’t seen studies specifically calling out smoked salmon, it definitely meets the definition of processed. Choose the best turkey bacon. Kirkpatrick said that a new study found that “ultra-processed foods” — like turkey bacon — “led to weight gain and overeating.” As its nutrition values show (see above), turkey bacon’s high sodium level “may pose a risk for individuals with high blood pressure or … “Unfortunately, we just don’t know yet whether these have the same impact as synthetic sources of nitrates.”, This site is protected by recaptcha Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, “I’ve got a lot of bacon-loving friends who ask me this all the time!” says Doyle.

Or doctor your nut or seed butters (such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini) with savory seasonings (think: cumin, cayenne, and chili powder) and have them with vegetable dunkers, like carrots, celery, endive, jicama, or red pepper strips. Think: bacon, sausages, hot dogs, canned meat and other cured meats like salami. Don’t add salt during the cooking process. Is there any risk for eating processed white meats, like turkey and chicken? Those can’t be that bad, can they? If you’re concerned about additives, these more natural-sounding meats might seem appealing. Drain cooked bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. HuffPost is part of Verizon Media. Bottom line for this and all processed meats: It would be smart to eat fish, poultry and beans over red (unprocessed) meat, and for individuals who do consume processed meat products, to do so sparingly, if at all.”. Nuts are approved for most popular eating plans, and they’re much healthier than jerky or meat bars. Chan School of Public Health.