Warning issued to anyone who eats hot dogs or burgers as barbecue season arrives
The Express reports that US researchers have released the findings of a new project which saw them review over 70 previous studies, comprising millions of participants. The research examined the link between processed meat and a wide range of illnesses including Type 2 diabetes, cancer and ischemic heart disease.
The study found that even the smallest portion of processed meats was the worst addition to a person's diet, even compared to trans fats and sugary drinks.
The University of Washington team wrote in their paper: "The monotonic increases in health risk with increased consumption of processed meat suggest that there is not a 'safe' amount of processed meat consumption with respect to diabetes or colorectal cancer risk.
"Habitual consumption of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is linked to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer."
The equivalent of one hot dog a day was associated with at least an 11 per cent higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, and a 7 per cent higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to eating no meat at all.
Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised to "Avoid processed meat and limit red meat to no more than 3 portions a week to lower your risk of bowel cancer."
The research found that even one hot dog a day may be too high, with the authors explaining in Nature that more examination is required but that there is a "merit" to limiting consumption.
They wrote: "These associations each received two-star ratings reflecting weak relationships or inconsistent input evidence, highlighting both the need for further research and—given the high burden of these chronic diseases—the merit of continuing to recommend limiting consumption of these foods."
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