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Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The five foods that will make you hungry (and what to eat instead)
We've all been there. Despite polishing off a whole meal, you're still hungry, and already thinking about what you want to eat next. Maybe a biscuit might fill you up, or a chocolate bar? It wouldn't happen after eating a vegetable omelette, but the hunger pangs might still kick in after eating cereal or flavoured yogurt. The reason? Because, when it comes to filling us up, not all foods are created equal. 'Fibre makes a big difference to our satiety,' explains Rebecca McManamon, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. It helps to bulk out food and can help the receptors in the stomach recognise that it is full and dial down our appetites. One study, from the University of Sydney, had volunteers eat 240-calorie servings of dozens of different foods. Boiled potatoes, fish and oranges left people full for the longest, while croissants, cakes and doughnuts were the least satisfying. The former group contains fibre, water and protein, while the latter is calorie-dense and full of sugar and fat. Protein is also key to being fuller for longer, as it suppresses ghrelin (the so-called hunger hormone) and increases peptide YY (a hormone that makes us feel full). Meanwhile, more studies have found that fatty and sugary foods encourage passive overconsumption, because they are so moreish, and the addition of artificial sweeteners can actually stimulate our appetite. Here are the foods that won't leave you feeling full – and what you should eat instead to stop the creep towards the biscuit tin. 1. A croissant for breakfast Despite being large and carb-laden, baked goods are unlikely to fill you up for long. 'Croissants, cakes and doughnuts are the least satiating foods and high in fat,' McManamon explains. In the University of Sydney paper, these baked goods were even less filling than other unhealthy snacks like cookies, crisps and jellybeans. This means they are not effective at reducing hunger or providing a feeling of fullness for very long. Additionally, they are highly palatable, meaning that they appeal to our taste buds because of the combination of sugar and fat they contain and, therefore, are easy to overeat. Baked goods are also high in calories and low in nutrients. A typical croissant contains 170 calories and, despite weighing only 45g, just 1g is fibre and 4g is protein, with 7g of fat and 3g of sugar. 'We may feel pleasure from eating them at the time, but feel hunger later as they do not satiate us for long,' McManamon notes. As a result, we'll likely reach for a second or be tempted to snack between meals. Additionally, research shows that unhealthy fats, such as those found in baked goods, aren't immediately recognised by the body as a useful source of fuel, McManamon explains. 'The body stores it, and therefore it does not signal to the brain that you are no longer hungry.' The filling alternative If you're attached to your morning croissant, having it with some cheese can help to fill you up (though a serving of cheddar will add 125 calories and 10.5g of fat). 'Fat is not the enemy,' McManamon notes. 'Foods with fat like cheese can help us to feel full.' Additionally, oranges are one of the most satiating fruits, so having it on the side should make the meal even more so, she says. But for the ultimate satisfying breakfast, eggs are one of the most filling options, McManamon says. 'Adding any vegetables like onion, spinach, mushroom into eggs (like an omelette or mixed in scrambled egg) would be a more nourishing meal,' she notes. 'The vegetables provide fibre and the eggs provide iron and vitamin B12, where the croissant itself offers little nutritional value.' 2. A bowl of shop bought muesli Muesli is a cupboard staple and seemingly healthy breakfast go-to. 'But it may surprise you that muesli is one of the least satiating cereals,' says McManamon. Special K, All-Bran and cornflakes were all found to be more filling in the University of Sydney study. This is likely a result of its low protein count and the presence of dried fruit, she says. A typical portion of muesli contains 170 calories, 9.5g of sugar, 3.4g of fibre and 5g of protein. 'Dried fruit contains more quickly available glucose rather than slow release,' she explains. This can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash that leaves us craving something else to eat. 'That's not to villainise dried fruit,' McManamon says. 'If it is the only type you like, it is surely better than eating none, but fresh cut fruit can be more satiating.' Additionally, some muesli also have added sugar, in the form of honey or glucose syrup. 'Again, it is quickly available energy, so may be less filling,' she adds. The filling alternative 'Oats are the most satiating breakfast cereal and other wholegrain cereals, such as Weetabix, are more filling than muesli,' McManamon says. Adding milk and fresh fruit to cereal can also help to avoid mid-morning hunger pangs. 'If you are not eating nuts as a snack at another time, adding to breakfast can also help you feel full and can help with heart and brain health,' McManamon adds. 3. Low-fat yogurt Yogurt is a great healthy alternative to mayonnaise and can be used to make a or dressing or a dip. However beware the low-fat variety. These are often so stripped of the naturally-occurring fat it's typically replaced with sugar or sweeteners and additives. 'Low fat yogurts with a high level of sweeteners may not be satiating enough,' says Anna Daniels, a registered dietitian. They may even be hunger-promoting. One recent study, from the University of Southern California, suggests that sucralose – an artificial sweetener found in some low-fat yogurt – activates an area in the brain that regulates hunger, which triggers an increase in appetite. Low-fat yogurts also contain around 50 per cent more sugar than regular yogurt (6.6g vs 4.2g), which can encourage a more dramatic blood sugar spike and then crash, which is also known to increase appetite. However, a 100g serving of low-fat yogurt does contain fewer calories than standard yogurt (60 vs 100). The filling alternative Eating low-fat yogurt alone will likely leave you hungry soon after, but adding fruit, nuts and seeds will help you feel satisfied for longer, Daniels says. While this can drive up the calorie content of the yogurt (a portion of blueberries has 36 calories, almonds have 190 and chia seeds have 60) it can reduce the risk of you snacking throughout the day. 4. A jar of tomato sauce on pasta A jar of tomato pasta sauce is a cheap and easy meal option always on hand to be tipped over a plate of pasta as a quick, easy and thrifty dinner. But it's unlikely to keep you full for long. A typical serving is low in calories but also offers little fibre (1.6g) or protein (1.6g). They also tend to be high in sugar and salt, which may also wreak havoc with our appetite control, as studies in mice suggest that high-salt diets can also make us hungrier. The filling alternative Choosing a wholegrain over white pasta can help to boost how full you feel after eating, McManamon says. Additionally, adding in some fish – fresh, frozen or tinned – will add protein and ward off hunger pangs, as fish is one of the most filling protein sources (even more so than red meat or eggs), she notes. 'Pulses, including humble options like baked beans are also filling options to add fibre and protein,' she adds. 'Ensuring your pasta sauce has adequate fats (olive oil) and fibre (vegetables) plus protein (meat or fish)', should help with hunger levels, Daniels confirms. 5. A cup of powdered and tinned soup They are a popular dieting food but powdered and tinned soup won't help with feeling full for very long. 'The liquid may make our stomach feel full but it contains little fibre, protein or fat,' McManamon says. Smooth or creamy styled soups are among the least filling, as they have no pieces of vegetables and are even lower in fibre. For example, cream of tomato soup (which has 204 calories per tin) contains just 2.6g of fibre and 3.4g of protein. The filling alternative To make a soup more filling, you can add tinned sweetcorn or cannellini beans while heating it up to add extra fibre and make the meal more filling, McManamon suggests. Alternatively, have boiled or baked potatoes with your soup. Compared with other high carb foods, potatoes are very satisfying, considered to be one of the most filling vegetables, and are high in water. 'They will keep us the most full out of any other food,' says McManamon – 'but adding other vegetables is also key.'
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Pret's new iced latte is spiked with spirulina – but it's definitely not a health drink
There is a new, vibrant, blue-green algae in town and it has found a way into your morning coffee. Spirulina is an increasingly popular health booster, usually sold as a bright blue powder famed for its high mineral and protein content but it is now on the coffee menu at Pret. I tried the chain's spirulina macaron iced latte to find out if it was worth swapping my regular Americano for this algae-laced alternative. I was met with a combination of ingredients that creates a sickly-sweet caffeine hit, void of any of the usually earthy-tasting spirulina I've had before in smoothies or yogurt bowls. Then there's the fact that the bright blue syrup poured into the bottom of the drink makes the drink look like a science experiment gone wrong (and the coffee turns a swampy green colour if you don't drink it quickly enough). 'We often see spirulina as a health supplement,' says Aisling Pigott, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. It's an algae (technically a cyanobacterium) that grows in fresh and saltwater and has been used as a food source for a long time. But Pret's drink – which also packs in 19.4g of sugar per cup (around five teaspoons, which is more than is found in a can of Pepsi, Fanta or San Pellegrino Limonata) – is 'definitely not a health drink', she notes. Nor did it taste like one. Yet the powder on its own, although not well studied or as highly consumed, is reported to have numerous health benefits. Should we be all sprinkling it into our morning coffees (and swerving the extra teaspoons of sugar)? What are the health benefits of spirulina? 1. It's full of nourishing nutrients 'Spirulina is pretty highly concentrated in some vitamins and minerals,' says Rob Hobson, a nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Life. A 15g (two tablespoon) serving of a typical spirulina supplement contains the entire recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for vitamin B1 (which keeps the nervous system healthy) and vitamin B2 (which keeps the skin and eyes working properly), Pigott says. 'It also contains a decent amount of magnesium and calcium,' she notes. It is also very high in plant-based protein, offering 10g per 15g serving – more protein per gram than meat, eggs or nuts – and is full of vitamin A, which supports a healthy immune system. The blue powder also offers around a third of the iron we need in a day but it's worth remembering that our bodies struggle to absorb iron from plant-based sources like vegetables, wholegrains and algae (known as non-heme iron), while iron from animal sources like meat and fish (heme iron) is more readily absorbed, Hobson says. This means that people following a plant-based diets tend to be advised to consume more iron-rich foods to counteract this effect. 2. It packs a powerful punch of antioxidants 'It is rich in antioxidants, especially phycocyanin, which gives it that vibrant blue-green colour and has anti-inflammatory properties,' Hobson explains. Antioxidants help to counteract the damage of unstable molecules in the body called free radicals, which damage cells and DNA. Phycocyanin, in particular, has been shown to scavenge free radicals, which means it may help protect against inflammation. However, our bodies create some antioxidants themselves and a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will also provide a steady supply of antioxidants – without needing to take any supplements. 3. May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol 'Small clinical trials suggest spirulina may help reduce blood pressure and 'bad' LDL cholesterol, and even improve markers of blood sugar control,' Hobson notes. But the doses used to achieve these effects tend to be higher than what people typically take in supplement form, he notes. Also, the evidence suggesting that spirulina can improve blood pressure readings is of poor quality compared to the strong evidence showing that eating a healthy, balanced diet will benefit our blood pressure and therefore heart health, Pigott adds. 4. Reduces hay fever symptoms There's some evidence that spirulina might ease hay fever due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the nasal passages, Hobson explains. One paper found that spirulina reduced nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing and itching caused by hay fever. However, for this effect and the other health benefits of spirulina, more large-scale human studies are needed to prove that spirulina is causing these improvements, he notes. 'We're far from the stage of saying spirulina is a cure-all,' Hobson says. 'I would think of it as a functional food that might support health as part of a broader diet, rather than something that replaces good nutrition basics.' Are there any health risks? 'Spirulina is generally safe when sourced from reputable producers, but it's crucial to buy a clean, tested product,' Hobson says. Spirulina grown in uncontrolled environments can be contaminated with heavy metals or harmful bacteria, he explains. Additionally, people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic condition present from birth which means the body can't break down an amino acid called phenylalanine (which is found in spirulina) should avoid the supplement, he adds. How to incorporate spirulina into your diet Spirulina powder is the most common form of the supplement and easy to add to smoothies, juices or yoghurt bowls, Hobson says. 'But be warned, it has a very earthy, seaweedy flavour that can overpower a dish,' he notes. 'Best to pair it with strong-flavoured ingredients like citrus, ginger or berries to balance it out.' There's no hard rule on the best way to consume spirulina, but it's better to add to cold dishes because heat can degrade some of the nutrients, Hobson says. 'It makes a very attractive looking smoothie bowl you can top with brightly coloured berries and toasted coconut,' he suggests. It's also available in capsules or tablets if you're not a fan of the taste. Verdict: Is spirulina actually good for you? Setting aside Pret's spirulina iced latte, the algae is nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, notes Hobson. 'But it's certainly not the magic bullet some marketing suggests,' he says. 'It's best viewed as a nutritional booster, so nice if you enjoy it, but definitely not something you need to add to your diet to stay healthy. 'I would think of it as a functional food that might support health as part of a broader diet, rather than something that replaces good nutrition basics.' FAQs How much should you have and how often? It depends on the product that you buy. Some manufacturers recommend 1 to 3g per day, while others suggest 15g. 'Around one teaspoon (about 3 to 5g) per day is common and considered safe,' Hobson says. 'You can take it daily, but more isn't always better so if you are going to take it stick with moderate, consistent use as part of a balanced diet.' Does spirulina cleanse the gut? Spirulina isn't a probiotic or fibre-rich food, so it doesn't directly feed gut bacteria the way something like inulin (found in fruit, vegetables and herbs) or fermented foods would, Hobson explains. But it may have an indirect effect on gut health. 'Animal studies and a few human trials suggest it might help reduce gut inflammation or support the intestinal barrier,' he notes. 'It's definitely not a gut-health hero like kefir or sauerkraut, but it could play a supportive role in an overall healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.' Does spirulina burn belly fat? 'There are a few small studies suggesting spirulina supplementation might help with modest weight loss or improvements in body composition, likely due to its effects on appetite or inflammation,' Hobson says. However, weight loss is complex and depends on many factors, such as diet and activity levels, so, on its own, spirulina is unlikely to have much of an impact on body weight, he says. 'Better focusing on the diet as a whole,' he says, 'and getting more active rather than sipping spirulina.'
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'Harmless' drink can cause kidney diseases and anxiety disorders in young people
A widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage has gained immense popularity among millions of young individuals, but recent studies have highlighted alarming links between energy drinks and various health issues, including heightened risks for heart and kidney complications, as well as anxiety disorders. These beverages, while often regarded as a quick way to boost energy and alertness, have been implicated in a range of negative health effects, such as insomnia, elevated blood pressure, debilitating headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Energy drinks have exploded in popularity, particularly among the youth, with approximately 31% of young people in the UK reported to consume them regularly. Despite their ability to enhance focus and wakefulness, health experts are increasingly voicing their concerns regarding the potential dangers these drinks pose, especially to the younger population who are their primary consumers. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor Annabel Gipp, a registered dietitian and contributing writer for the British Dietetic Association (BDA) , has outlined the serious adverse effects associated with energy drinks, largely stemming from their high caffeine content. Gipp elaborates, stating, "Increased caffeine consumption among children and adolescents leads to elevated blood pressure, disrupting sleep patterns, causing severe headaches, and inducing stomach disturbances. There are also self-reported instances of injuries linked to hyperactivity triggered by these drinks. " In addition to these immediate effects, Gipp stresses the long-term implications: "Adolescence is a critical period for bone development, and caffeine has been shown to hinder calcium absorption in the small intestine, potentially resulting in lower calcium deposition in bones. This detrimental effect is exacerbated when energy drinks are consumed in place of calcium-rich alternatives like milk." As per a comprehensive 2023 review published in the Nutrients journal, which analyzed 18 different reports detailing the adverse health effects tied to energy drinks among individuals under 18, it was found that nearly half of the incidents involved cardiovascular issues. These included serious conditions such as heart arrhythmia and arterial hypertension. Furthermore, neuropsychological problems accounted for one-third of the analyzed cases, while 22% reported kidney-related concerns. The findings indicated that pre-existing medical conditions played a role in 44% of the analyzed incidents. In fact, the researchers noted, "Cardiovascular adverse health events were documented in 45% of the incidences, including alarming conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, acute coronary artery vasospasm, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection." In some cases, the affected individuals had consumed substantial amounts of energy drinks over several days, while one notable incident involved a healthy adolescent experiencing significant cardiovascular repercussions after consuming only a moderate amount of caffeine (80 mg). Further illustrating the potential dangers, the study cited a case from 2011 involving a teenager who suffered from acute renal failure linked to energy drink consumption. The authors pointed to the high taurine levels in these products as a potential contributing factor, noting that "approximately 95% of taurine is metabolized in the kidneys." They highlighted how the consumption of energy drinks might lead to arterial hypertension, metabolic disorders associated with sugar, and weight gain, all of which are recognized risk factors for chronic kidney disease. In addition to physical health impacts, a recent study published in the Public Health journal revealed a troubling correlation between energy drink consumption and mental health issues in children and young adults. The study analyzed data from 57 diverse studies encompassing over 1.2 million participants from more than 21 different countries, identifying significant associations with anxiety, stress, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Dr. Shelina Visram, a senior public health lecturer from Fuse, Newcastle University, and co-author of the study, expressed grave concern over these findings. "We are extremely worried about the implications that energy drinks can lead to psychological distress and mental health challenges. These findings represent crucial public health issues that must be addressed promptly." For years, researchers have lamented the lack of regulatory action surrounding energy drinks, arguing that their widespread availability to children and adolescents is jeopardizing their health. Professor Amelia Lake, the lead author of the study, stated, "Energy drinks are being marketed to children and young people as a means to enhance their energy and performance levels, yet our research indicates they may be causing more harm than benefit. " She further noted, "We have raised alarms about the health consequences of these drinks for nearly a decade, highlighting that they are sold to children as young as ten years old for prices as low as 25 pence—cheaper than bottled water." The growing body of evidence suggests that energy drinks pose significant risks not only to the mental and physical health of children and adolescents but also to their behavior and academic performance. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these risks and protect young individuals from the harmful effects of these products. What are the alternatives to energy drinks? Healthier alternatives to energy drinks include herbal teas, natural fruit juices, coconut water, and just plain water. These options provide hydration, essential nutrients, and a moderate energy boost without the negative effects of excessive caffeine or sugar. Additionally, foods like dark chocolate, green tea, and goji berries can also offer a natural energy boost. Sugar-sweetened drinks related to chronic kidney disease, says study Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Medscape
08-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
What is the Best Diet for IBS?
A starch- and sucrose-reduced diet ranks the highest for decreasing global irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, whereas a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet offers benefits in reducing global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, and abdominal bloating. METHODOLOGY: Patients with IBS often report food-related symptoms and seek dietary interventions to help manage their condition. Researchers conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of dietary interventions for IBS symptoms. Eligible trials compared an active dietary intervention involving multiple food changes with either a control intervention (such as a habitual diet, sham diet, high FODMAP diet, or other dietary advice) or another active intervention also requiring multiple food changes Outcomes included the proportion of patients with no improvement in global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain severity, bloating/distension severity, or bowel habits. TAKEAWAY: Researchers identified 28 eligible randomized controlled trials (comprising 2338 patients) of 11 dietary interventions, with several — including low FODMAP, the British Dietetic Association/National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (BDA/NICE), lactose-reduced, starch- and sucrose-reduced, personalized, and Mediterranean diets — studied in multiple trials. Among dietary interventions superior to habitual diet, a starch- and sucrose-reduced diet ranked first in reducing global IBS symptoms in two trials (relative risk for no improvement [RR], 0.41; P -score = .84), and a low FODMAP diet ranked fourth across 24 trials (RR, 0.51; P -score = .71). -score = .84), and a low FODMAP diet ranked fourth across 24 trials (RR, 0.51; -score = .71). For abdominal pain, a starch- and sucrose-reduced diet ranked second in two trials (RR, 0.54; P -score = .73) and a low FODMAP diet ranked fifth in 23 trials (RR, 0.61; P -score = .64) compared with a habitual diet. -score = .73) and a low FODMAP diet ranked fifth in 23 trials (RR, 0.61; -score = .64) compared with a habitual diet. The low FODMAP diet was superior to habitual diet for reducing abdominal bloating/distension across 23 trials (RR, 0.55; P -score = .64). -score = .64). No diets outperformed habitual diet for improving bowel habits; however, the low FODMAP diet was more effective than the BDA/NICE diet. IN PRACTICE: 'These findings highlight a potential role for alternative diets such as the starch-reduced and sucrose-reduced diet and FODMAP-simple diet, indicating an opportunity for expanding dietary choices in IBS. Given the variability in IBS pathophysiology that can exist across patients, different diets could provide different benefits, and offering multiple evidence-based options might prove valuable,' an expert wrote in an accompanying comment. SOURCE: The study was led by Melanie S. Cuffe, MBChB, Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, England. It was published online in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. LIMITATIONS: Most trials had relatively short durations, limiting their ability to measure efficacy for a chronic condition like IBS. Only two trials examined all three stages of the FODMAP diet (ie, restriction, reintroduction, and personalization). Although IBS is primarily managed in primary care, only four trials were conducted partially in this setting. DISCLOSURES: The analysis received no funding support. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Less salt than bacon and lower in fat than salami: Why Spam is making a comeback
Bini Suresh, a media spokesperson for British Dietietic Association (BDA) says: 'We can't ignore Spam as a good source of protein, containing iron and B vitamins naturally found in pork. Plus it's gluten-free, low carb and fortified with sodium ascorbate (a form of vitamin C). Of course it's OK for someone to consume processed meats as part of a balanced diet, but frequency, portion size and what other foods you eat with it are key.' But that's not to say it hasn't had its fair share of ridicule or is one of the most healthy of processed meats around. Critics poke at its low nutritional value, deriding its bland, sweet and salty flavour ('porky with a bad ham taste', say some) and saying it's something only eaten by students and seniors. What is actually in Spam? An amusingly proud declaration by the manufacturers on the can boasts a 'minimum of 90 per cent meat'. It's true, Spam is primarily made up of pork (89 per cent), with a small percentage (2 per cent) of ham. Other ingredients include: starch, salt, water, sugar, stabiliser (triphosphates), a vague-sounding ''flavourings' and stabilisers, of which Eva Humphries, a clinical nutritionist at KYN care homes, is 'not so keen on'. There is research that suggests that 'triphosphates can also have a negative effect on gut and kidney health,' adds Humphries, 'which may disproportionately impact the elderly. Spam certainly doesn't win any prizes in nutritional value, being particularly high in saturated fat and salt. The Government recommends that saturated fat should provide no more than 10 per cent of our total calorie intake. This is about 30g per day for men and 20g per day for women. A tin of Spam is 340g, and every 100g (an average serving) contains 9.7g of saturated fat – nearly half our daily allowance. Scoff the whole tin, and you will be easily exceeding the recommended amount. At 292kcal per 100g, it's high in calories too. Nor does its salt levels fair well, with 2.4g per 100g, over a third of the daily recommended maximum of 6g. Data from the ongoing Global Burden of Disease study shows that diets high in sodium are one of the leading causes of death from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) worldwide. Dell Stanford, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), explains: 'Too much salt makes your body hold on to water, which puts pressure on your blood vessels and kidneys. The majority of salt we eat comes from manufactured foods so it's important to read food labels and reduce the salt we add to food and cooking.' Spam is an ultra-processed food (UPF) which puts it in the category of foods linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, 'but let's get this into perspective. High levels of consumption play a role; if you are eating UPFs occasionally, they will likely do you little harm,' says Stanford. Aisling Pigott, also a dietitian, agrees: 'All foods have their place, from Spam to sausage rolls and beyond. It's not a good idea to eat UPFs every day, nor would it be a good idea to eat only one type of vegetable. Variety is key, and sometimes we think too much about labelling foods as 'good' and 'bad' and not enough about diversity within our diets. This is not an everyday food, but a convenient protein option for those who want to enjoy it now and again.' How does Spam compare to other processed meats? The common link with processed meats is their high fat and salt content, so there is an eat-with-caution factor when choosing them. They also contain preservatives and stabilisers such as sodium nitrate which is highlighted as a Group 1 carcinogen by The World Health Organisation if consumed in high quantities over time. If you want to compare Spam with salami, the latter has more fat, saturates, salt and calories. Corned beef has a similar profile but generally less additives, while bacon has less calories and fat but more salt.
