According to the World Health Organization, “Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Most processed meats contain pork or beef, but processed meats may also contain other red meats, poultry, offal, or meat by-products such as blood. Examples of processed meat include hot dogs (frankfurters), ham, sausages, corned beef, and biltong or beef jerky as well as canned meat and meat-based preparations and sauces.”
Given that most processed meats contain saturated fats, trans fat and salt to prolong its shelf-life and improve its flavor. Let us break down on why they are highly associated with cardiovascular diseases.
- Saturated Fats. This is known to elevate the levels of low-density lipoprotein or also called bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol blocks the arteries leading to stroke and heart attack.
- Trans Fat. This type of fat not only increases LDL cholesterol but it also lowers high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps in reducing the LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream by flushing it outside your body. Without it, your LDL cholesterol will continue to rise and block your arteries.
- Salt. Salt or sodium increases blood pressure.
Having these three ingredients in one food can be detrimental for your health. In a new study, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers discovered that eating processed meats is linked to a 42% increased risk of heart disease.
For the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, the Department of Health issued AO 2021-0039 on the elimination of industrially produced trans fat. The Administrative order establishes a policy framework for removing harmful trans fat from our food supply, and it works in tandem with other legislative initiatives such as the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill. As a consumer, we also have to do our part in limiting processed foods in our grocery list as we already know the long-term effect that it may contribute to our health.
Written by: NO I Jhanna Camela Torres
References:
University of Oxford. Red and processed meat linked to increased risk of heart disease, Oxford study shows. Retrieved from https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2021-07-21-red-and-processed-meat-linked-increased-risk-heart-disease-oxford-study-shows.
Harvard T.H. Chan. (2010). Eating processed meats, but not unprocessed red meats, may raise risk of heart disease and diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/processed-meats-unprocessed-heart-disease-diabetes/.
Department of Health. (2021). DOH Promotes Filipinos’ Heart Health amidst Pandemic, Prohibits Trans Fat in Pre-Packaged and Processed Food. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH-PROMOTES-FILIPINOS-HEART-HEALTH-AMIDST-PANDEMIC-PROHIBITS-TRANS-FAT-IN-PRE-PACKAGED-AND-PROCESSED-FOOD
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Processed meat—from hot dogs to bacon—increases the risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even early death. Retrieved from https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/processed-meat.
U.S. National Library for Medicine. Facts about trans fats. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000786.htm.
