New WHO study slams processed meats
The food world was rocked by a World Health Organization (WHO) report which linked bacon, sausage, and other processed meats to high rates of stomach and colon cancer. Along the way, they also cast suspicion on all red meat as a whole.
Of course, we have known for a long time that processed meats are bad for you, and the link with cancer has been significant. However, most people do not eat processed meats on a daily basis. A daily dose of bacon might be delicious, but it is far from health food. Between the nitrates, the salt, the fat, and the potential carcinogens, it's better to keep it an occasional treat.
In fact, most reliable sources agree that processed meats are fine once or twice a week. But go easy on it. A daily 50-gram serving of processed meats (equivalent to one hot dog or 3-4 slices of deli meat) can increase your risk for colorectal cancer by up to 18%.
Red meat is a different story. The WHO lists red meat as "possibly carcinogenic." It is true that grilled red meat can be carcinogenic, thanks to the carcinogens left behind in the delicious grilling process. (Sad!)