Processed meat and the WHO

The statement from the World Health Organization on processed meats has had an unusual impact. It is rare to find in the media debates and views for everyone.

The truth is that these products are classified in the same group which are encompassed some agents with whom we have contact, if not daily, often yes, some of which attract attention.

Because, see, it is not surprising to find among the causes of cancer and plutonium snuff. But it is striking that activities like making furniture, work as a painter or tar paving streets are regarded as potentially producing tumors. As are situations that we all face: inhale the exhaust of diesel engines, air pollution and solar radiation.

And yes, processed meat, defined as “any meat that has been transformed with salt, curing, fermenting, smoking, to enhance flavor and preserve food.” This includes sausages and ground meat patties and sausages. That is, those that feel we are more tasty to the palate.

But then … If I eat sausages or any processed meat… I´m going to suffer a colon cancer ?

Let’s see: This is a question of moderation. The risk of colon tumors increases somewhat with the intake of these products. But it is not recommended to cut on them absolutely. Reduce your intake yes, but you don´t need to become a vegetarian.

To give us all an idea, compare risks with one of the most toxic substances known: The snuff. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by 1,500%. That is, someone who consumes a pack a day is 15 times more likely to develop lung cancer than a nonsmoker. Consuming 50 grams of processed meat increases risk of colon cancer by 18%. So the consumption of bacon placed him in the same disparadero regarding your vegetarian partner (having 15 times more options than that of developing colorectal cancer), you would have to put away every day, dear carnivore, 4.6 kilograms of bacon, or that is, 208 slices in a row. That’s nothing. The risk of cancer, of course, would be the least of his problems.

All indications are that consumption of processed meats will be limited to 20 grams a day. This is just a slice of bacon per day. Well, after all, moderation may be the key to understanding some of the issues on which imply nutrition, habits and health. Perhaps you like everything in life.

Dr. Juan Carlos Padilla Estrada

Neumonologist and Lung specialist