A week ago the media alerted us to the results obtained by the International Agency for Research Against Cancer (IARC), which depends on the World Health Organization (WHO), after analyzing more than 800 studies: processed meat is carcinogenic and red meat is probably carcinogenic for humans and they point out that daily consumption of more than 50g of processed meat increases the risk of suffering colorectal cancer by 18%.
The reactions during the week have been diverse: on the street some people wondered what to fill their child’s sandwich with from now on, others have ignored the information “because in the end they won’t let us eat anything” and others have believed that behind all this there are vested interests and that everything is a lie (let us clarify that this is not so, since the conclusions are based on scientific evidence).
Through the same media that alarmed everyone, every day they have dealt with the issue and have tried to reassure the population, with the help of experts in the field, explaining the nuances of the results obtained. At no time is it prohibited, but it is advised to reduce their consumption, although, let’s be honest, classifying them in the same group as tobacco, arsenic and mustard gas makes anyone want to eat chorizo.
Increasing quality and reducing quantity
We could say that what has been said so far is nothing new, since health professionals, especially dieticians-nutritionists, have been advising for years an occasional consumption of red and processed meats: that is why they are at the top of the pyramid of healthy eating. In fact, it is estimated that the average European daily consumption of these meats is 24g/day, half the amount indicated by the WHO. In addition, there is an aspect that should be emphasized and that is that it increases the risk of suffering cancer and that is not equivalent to causing it. Another aspect to take into account is that the overall quality of the product is also very important.
More vegetables and fruits, please
This news should serve as a small reminder that a healthy, varied, balanced and moderate diet is the basis of good health and here red meat is more than accepted, rich in protein and micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron and zinc, and can be enjoyed once or twice a week with peace of mind. If we also accompany it with a dose of fiber, water and antioxidants in the form of a good portion of vegetables, the possible risk of causing cancer is counteracted.
As for the breakfast sandwich (remember that it is still a better option than industrial pastries) we can fill it with cheese, tuna, sardines, French omelette or vegetables as well as quality sausage a couple of times a week and complement it with a piece of fruit.
Nor should we forget that food is not the only influential factor, but that we need other good habits such as avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol in high doses in order to maintain optimal health. It is all a matter of balance and variety.
