Be aware of how much Dec. 18, 2015 processed meat you eat By Martha Filipic 614-292-9833 I have been trying to avoid processed [email protected] meat because I heard it is linked to cancer. But this year, my family is Editor: This column was serving ham for Christmas dinner. reviewed by Dan Remley, Ohio State University Ham is processed, right? Should I ask Extension field specialist in my family to serve something else? Food, Nutrition and Wellness.

photo: iStock Have a great holiday! Chow Yes, ham is a processed meat, and it’s great that Line is taking two weeks off. you’re aware of the concerns raised about eating The next column is scheduled too much of it. But most health professionals would raise the risk to about 5.5 percent. It’s important to for Jan. 8, 2016. say you don’t have to worry about one dinner. It’s note that other factors, including obesity, inactivity, your overall pattern of eating that really matters. alcohol consumption and other dietary habits, as Chow Line is a service of the College of Food, Agricultural, Studies have linked processed meat with an well as a genetic predisposition, also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. On the other hand, diets and Environmental Sciences increased risk of cancer for years. A report and its outreach and research rich in fruits and vegetables are linked with a lower issued in October 2015 raised the issue’s profile arms, Ohio State University significantly. That’s when the World Health risk for many types of cancer. Extension and the Ohio Organization’s International Agency for Research Since 2007, the American Institute of Cancer Agricultural Research and Development Center. Send on Cancer said there is “sufficient” evidence to Research, or AICR, has recommended avoiding questions to Chow Line, c/o label processed meat as a carcinogen, as well as processed meats, even though it remains unclear Martha Filipic, 2021 Coffey “limited” evidence linking red meat, such as beef, precisely what it is about them that raises cancer Road, Columbus, OH 43210- pork and lamb, with cancer. risk. One possibility is related to the compounds 1043, or [email protected]. The evidence for both types of meat is strongest in formed from the nitrates and nitrites that are added relation to colorectal cancers, which are cancers of to processed meats to preserve color and prevent the colon and rectum, or large intestine. spoilage. These days, you might see lunchmeat and other types of processed meat labeled Processed meat includes meat that has been “nitrate/nitrite-free,” but the AICR is reserving College Marketing salted, cured, fermented, smoked or processed in judgment on these products for now. They still are and Communications 2021 Coffey Road other ways in order to enhance flavor and improve likely to be smoked, salted or cured, all of which preservation. This includes not only ham, bacon, Columbus, OH 43210-1043 also elevate the risk of cancer. 614-292-2011 sausage and hot dogs, but corned beef, beef jerky, Instead of worrying about the holiday ham, canned meat and most lunchmeats, as well — even 208 Research Services Building those made from chicken and turkey. you might consider keeping a log of how much 1680 Madison Ave. processed meat you eat over the course of a Wooster, OH 44691-4096 WHO said eating just 1.75 ounces of processed normal week. It might be a lot less than you think. 330-263-3780 meat a day could increase the risk of colorectal Or it might be more. Being aware is the first step. © 2015, The Ohio State University cancer by 18 percent. To put that in perspective, The AICR recommends opting for fresh chicken the American Cancer Society reports that the CFAES provides research and lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is or fish most of the time, or trying different sources related educational programs to about 4.7 percent — slightly higher for men, slightly of protein such as eggs and tofu. But don’t worry clientele on a nondiscriminatory about the occasional slice of ham. basis. For more information: lower for women. An increase of 18 percent would go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity.

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