New study says eating bacon is just as big a cancer risk as smoking

The world is officially a sadder place.

According to the World Health Organization, bacon is a lot worse for us than we thought – and it could be just as big a cancer threat as smoking. Yes, smoking.

The findings come after scientists from 10 countries conducted a study that compiled years of data.

From the Daily Mail:

Dr. Rachel Thompson, of the World Cancer Research Fund UK, said: ‘If people can avoid it [processed meat], they should. It’s better to get what you need from fresh red meat.

‘Processed meat contains more salt and fat and there is likely to be a higher cancer risk from the actual processing.’

She added: ‘If there’s someone who has a bacon sandwich every morning and a ham sandwich for lunch, they are at higher risk. They should really try to cut down.’

Government guidelines introduced in 2011 recommend that adults eat no more than 70g of red or processed meat each day – equivalent to one small sausage or two rashers of bacon a day or one lamb chop every other day.

The four-year study which focused on 500,000 middle-aged men and women found that those who ate red or processed meat four or more times a week were 42 per cent more likely to develop bowel cancer than those who had it less than once a week.

Experts think a chemical called “haem” in red and processed meat attacks the DNA of cells in the digestive system, which leads to cancer. The findings of the study, which are set to be released Monday, has caused virtual panic in the meat industry.

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[UNILAD] Featured image via andeatittoopodcast.com

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