WHO can't eat red meat

I tell my nutrition students that food is VERY personal to everyone. This might explain the reaction to the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that eating processed meats and red meats can be related to certain cancers, especially colorectal cancers. The question then becomes: After eating hot dogs and grilled meats all summer, am I doomed? What can I eat?

What the WHO actually released was that after looking at the studies already performed, 22 experts from 10 countries found that those folks who ate more processed foods, such as bacon, hams and hot dogs, had an 18% increased chance of developing colorectal cancer, regardless of whether the processed meat came from red meats (beef, pork, etc) or white meats such as poultry. This increased risk was seen in those who ate more than 50 grams or 1 1/2 ounces of processed meats daily. The news release also reported that those who ate red meat MIGHT have an increased risk of also developing colorectal and other cancers. Beyond that, even the WHO would not speculate because they had no concrete scientific evidence.

Are you doomed because of a grilling or hot dog summer? Probably not. However, it isn’t a bad time to look at what you ARE eating. I have written before about the chemicals that fire creates in food that have never been good for you. I can hear someone say that early man and pioneers ate fire roasted meats. Yes, but they didn’t live as long as people want to live today. Even the WHO does not say what is the best way to cook meats due to a lack of evidence. Is raw meat better? Considering the risk for a variety of infections and infestations, that might be doubtful.

Studies have been showing for decades now that the healthiest, longest living people on earth are not big meat eaters. Some chicken or fish with a lot of vegetables and nuts seems to be among the healthiest choices around. Of course, I am not talking about lots of chicken hot dogs or smoked fish.

“Moderation in all things eaten” has been around for a long time too. Instead of eating deli meats daily, use meat from leftover roasts or meat loaf. Many people nowadays have a hard time affording much red meat any way. You want a processed meat? Try making it a special day meat, like bacon and eggs for weekends. Your best bet is to vary what you eat so that you have something you like every day, but not the same critter every day. Natural, not processed, has been promoted for ages.

Also this week Clear Labs reported on the Clear Foods website that molecular tests done on 345 samples of 75 brands of hot dogs, human DNA was present in 2%. Only a part of me wants to know the source of that DNA (finger or hair).

Still got to have that hot dog?