By Donna Moodie, RD, CDN, CDE
Here is a simple 2014 health goal that can go a long way towards preventing cancer and heart disease. As a dietitian, one of the first steps I recommend you take to improve your health and prevent serious chronic diseases like colon cancer and heart disease would be to give up all processed meats and lower your intake of red meat.
Studies of large groups of people have shown a significant increase in cancer and heart disease in people who consume large amounts of meat and processed meat. These meats include: bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, salami, prosciutto, smoked meats, sausage, steaks, hamburgers, etc. Healthier choices would be plain turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish and eggs.
Countries with lower rates of cancer and heart disease use meat and animal protein more like a condiment that is mixed with whole grains and vegetables. (For example, in a stir fry) So we don’t all have to be vegetarians, but giving up processed meats and lowering intake of red meats can go a long way towards improving your health and preventing disease.
Donna Moodie is a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program.