Animal meat: Eating unprocessed red meat in moderation does not increase your risk of cancer. Processed meat poses a significantly higher risk. The key lies in two factors: how the meat is prepared and how often it is consumed.
First: processed meat
Processed meat is not just any type of meat. It is processed, dried, or smoked to extend its shelf life or improve its flavor. Examples include cold cuts, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and beef jerky.
Large-scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear link between high consumption of processed meat and an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast, colon, and lung cancer. Consuming 50 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of cancer by 18%. Fifty grams is equivalent to two slices of bacon or a sandwich eaten daily for lunch.
