When it comes to quick, convenient lunch options, deli meat often tops the list. But with growing health concerns around processed meat — including a recent linked to a deadly listeria outbreak — you might be wondering: Is deli meat bad for you? The recall has been connected to three deaths and 43 hospitalizations across more than a dozen states, according to an Aug. 8 from the U.
S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's an important reminder to be cautious about your deli meat choices.
Whether you’re a sandwich connoisseur or just looking to improve your health, here are some tips from dietitians to enjoy your favorite lunch meats more safely. Deli meats, while convenient, are highly processed and carry potential health risks you should be aware of. "Deli meat is unhealthy," Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian says.
"It is a processed meat, and there is very good evidence that processed meat carries the risk of certain forms of cancer." "It's best to eat them, I would say, as little as possible," she adds. Processed deli meats contain nitrates and nitrites, preservatives that help extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
These additives can convert into potentially harmful compounds known as nitrosamines, , or cancer-causing. For instance, published by the National Library of Medicine found that high consumers of nitrates had a higher risk of breast cancer, and high consumers of nitrites were at a greater risk for prostate cancer. Many deli meats, such as .