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They Say: No Ham For You (Or Your Kids)
Ham is evilll….fear the haaammmm….
That’s pretty much the upshot of a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund. Citing research that shows an increased rate of bowel cancer among adults who eat a lot of processed meats, the group is suggesting that children should “view processed meat as an occasional treat, if it is eaten at all.”
Well, damn. I come from Polish stock, Polish butchers no less, and while I am not a big meat eater, ham, sausage, and bacon hold a place in my heart (probably quite literally). I mean, when my husband turned 40 this spring we celebrated with Bacon Day – every meal had bacon in it, including bacon coffee cake for breakfast. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I craved sausage, and with my son, lunchmeat (yes, I microwaved it).
Also, more and more schools are going nut-free because of allergies, and if we can’t pack deli sandwiches, I think a lot of us parents will be struggling to get anything packed for lunch that is halfway easy.
The concerns about processed meats mostly lie with the nitrates that are used or occur naturally during the curing process, however. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods both have selections of nitrate free or “no nitrates added” lunchmeat and hot dogs.
I’m not discounting the research or saying this is wrong, but personally? Do not get in the way of my bacon.
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0 Comments
Stacey Cendrowski commented on Aug 20 09 at 12:46 pmComments I hated PB&J as a kid, would never have eaten lunch if it wasn’t for deli meats etc. Just like anything these days, moderation is good. If your really concerned, add some extra veggies or fruits to the meal.
diera commented on Aug 20 09 at 1:33 pmIf I avoid ham, am I going to live forever? Or is it just going to change what it says on my death certificate?
Tina commented on Aug 20 09 at 1:44 pmOh dear, I’m quite literally eating an Italian sub sandwich as I’m reading this. Gulp. I can’t possibly give up salami!
Manjari commented on Aug 20 09 at 2:40 pmI don’t like ham anyway, so this doesn’t bother me. Bacon is another story. I do think, though, that it would be silly for me to ignore information that something is unhealthy just because it’s more convenient to keep eating it (or feeding it to my kids).
GP commented on Aug 20 09 at 3:16 pmYeah. It’s not so good for the pigs, either.
Ali commented on Aug 20 09 at 9:35 pmI just buy no nitrate meats. It is available everywhere. Tastes fresher too. The bacon is fantastic.
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