This week started on a rather negative note for all the non-vegetarians. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) findings on red meat came as a blow to many who were hoping to enjoy their burgers and hot dogs.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the WHO, released their latest study linking the consumption of red and processed meat to colorectal cancer. According to the study, processed meat is classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and red meat is considered probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).
Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse, and goat. Processed meat refers to meat that undergoes salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or any other processes used to preserve it or enhance flavor. This includes hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef, beef jerky and even canned meat and other meat-based preparations and sauces.
IARC has classified carcinogens into five different categories ranging from carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) to probably not carcinogenic to humans (Group 4). The Group 1 category implies that there is convincing evidence that the agent can cause cancer and Group 2A infers that there is limited evidence of a positive association between exposure to the agent and cancer.
Though it is not clearly stated how these chemicals are triggered, researchers suggest it could be in their preparations. One of the standard procedures in meat processing is salting and curing. While curing, meat is mixed with common salt and sodium nitrite. Nitrites under certain conditions can be carcinogenic. Similarly, cooking red meat at high temperatures with direct contact with a flame or a hot surface, like barbecuing or pan-frying, can produce heterocyclic aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are suspected carcinogens.
Though these studies were conducted mainly for colorectal cancer, it can also be linked to pancreatic and prostate cancer. The study estimated that a daily intake of 50gms of processed meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. Also, 100gms of red meat daily can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 17 percent.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Project, an independent academic research organization, about 34000 cancer deaths are attributable to diets high in processed meat every year. It is also estimated that diets high in red meat could be responsible for 50000 cancer deaths per year worldwide.
Well, it doesn’t mean you have to turn a vegetarian. Medical practitioners clarify that we don’t have to shy away from meat. Anything in moderation is not harmful. Also, please note that the studies specify on a daily intake. The bottom line is, watch what you eat and it is safe to say, it’s time to include more veggies to your diet.
The IARC Working Group consisted of 22 experts from 10 countries and the studies are based on the evaluations made on more than 800 different studies on cancer in humans.
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