Next time you want to pig out on bacon, you may want to spare a thought for your health.
Our love of the pork product could lead to a number of health issues including cancer, heart disease and diabetes - all of which are linked to a high consumption of processed meat.
High processed meat consumption led to a 72% increased risk of dying from heart disease, and an 11% increased risk of dying from cancer.
Over a typical follow up time of 12.7 years, the risk of dying from any cause was 44% greater for high processed meat consumers.
Revealingly health risks do not increase with consumption unprocessed red meat such as beef or lamb, according to a study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health.
"In contrast, processed meats contained, on average, four times more sodium (salt) and 50% more nitrate preservatives."
50 Of The Healthiest Foods
Almonds(01 of50)
Open Image ModalApples(02 of50)
Open Image ModalApples are an "excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol," says Wixom. The fruit is also high in fiber and its peel contains something called ursolic acid, which has been shown in recent studies to lower the incidence of obesity. "Apples also contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in preventing respiratory problems," Heather Bauer tells The Huffington Post. "Research shows that pregnant women who incorporated apples into their daily diet were less likely to give birth to a child with asthma." (credit:shutterstock)
Artichoke Hearts(03 of50)
Open Image ModalAvocado(04 of50)
Open Image ModalBeets(05 of50)
Open Image Modal"The dark red color indicates the powerful phytonutrient package of beets," Diekman tells The Huffington Post. Indeed beets are rich in betalains, such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, that give them their pigment and also have anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties.Beyond that, beets contain significant amounts of folate, vitamin C, B6, iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. (credit:FLICKR: USDAGOV)
Beans(06 of50)
Open Image ModalBell Peppers(07 of50)
Open Image ModalBlackberries And Raspberries(08 of50)
Open Image ModalBerries are low in calories and are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals, and, according to Wixom, some research suggests they help with such divergent health challenges as age-related mental decline, heart disease, some cancers and urinary tract infections. On the mental acuity front, the berries are full of anthocyanins for boosting memory, according to Joy Bauer, but that's not their only age-related benefit. "These foods are high in antioxidants, protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy," according to experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania. (credit:shutterstock)
Black Tea(09 of50)
Open Image ModalBlueberries(10 of50)
Open Image ModalWhile all berries provide healthful antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, studies show that blueberries have a particular and unique health benefit. "Among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing the aging process, improving motor skills and supporting urinary and vision health," says Fitzgerald. "The compound, anthocynanin, gives blueberries their color and may be the main component of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties." (credit:Alamy)
Broccoli(11 of50)
Open Image ModalBrown Rice(12 of50)
Open Image ModalBrussels Sprouts (13 of50)
Open Image ModalCherries(14 of50)
Open Image ModalChia Seeds(15 of50)
Open Image ModalCoffee(16 of50)
Open Image ModalCranberries(17 of50)
Open Image ModalDark Chocolate(18 of50)
Open Image ModalEdamame(19 of50)
Open Image ModalEggs(20 of50)
Open Image ModalFlax Seed(21 of50)
Open Image ModalGinger(22 of50)
Open Image ModalGreek Yogurt(23 of50)
Open Image ModalGreen Tea(24 of50)
Open Image ModalKale(25 of50)
Open Image ModalKefir(26 of50)
Open Image ModalLentils(27 of50)
Open Image ModalOatmeal(28 of50)
Open Image ModalOlive Oil(29 of50)
Open Image ModalOranges(30 of50)
Open Image ModalPistachios(31 of50)
Open Image ModalPomegranate(32 of50)
Open Image ModalPotatoes(33 of50)
Open Image ModalQuinoa(34 of50)
Open Image ModalRed Wine(35 of50)
Open Image ModalSalmon(36 of50)
Open Image ModalSardines(37 of50)
Open Image ModalSeaweed(38 of50)
Open Image ModalShiitake Mushrooms(39 of50)
Open Image ModalSkim Milk(40 of50)
Open Image ModalSpinach(41 of50)
Open Image ModalStrawberries(42 of50)
Open Image ModalSunflower Sprouts(43 of50)
Open Image ModalSweet Potatoes(44 of50)
Open Image ModalTomatoes(45 of50)
Open Image ModalTurmeric(46 of50)
Open Image ModalTuna(47 of50)
Open Image ModalWalnuts(48 of50)
Open Image ModalWater(49 of50)
Open Image ModalWhite Tea(50 of50)
Open Image ModalAs a result, he claims it is the difference in salt and preservatives rather than fats might explain that may explain health risks.
A 2012 study found that two rashers of bacon can contain more than half of the recommended daily amount (RDA) of 6g of salt.
The research, conducted by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash), found that some brands contain three times more salt than others found in the same supermarket.
Renata recommends avoiding processed meats where possible: "Processed meats - such as bacon, salami, sausages, hot dogs and processed deli meats - may be the most important to avoid. Based on our findings, eating one serving per week or less would be associated with relatively small risk."