Tenn. Cattlemen React to ‘Processed Meat causes Cancer’ Finding

Tenn. Cattlemen React to 'Processed Meat causes Cancer' Finding
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The World Health Organization says processed meats do cause cancer and eating red meat probably do as well. Tennessee ranchers are hoping these findings don’t change our eating habits.

When we’re talking about processed meats, we’re talking about basically anything that is preserved or cured.  That would include any meat packaged to keep it fresh longer and bacon would be an automatic no-no.

It doesn’t come as a surprise to Vanderbilt’s Dr. Wei Zheng who’s been studying the link between red meat and cancer for years.

“I think this is the first time a well-respected organization really synthesized the evidence,” said Dr. Zheng.

Dr. Zheng says his studies found evidence that red meat cooked at high temperatures and charred is linked to cases of breast cancer and pre-cancer colon polyps. The WHO looked at 800 studies like his and declared processed meat ‘carcinogenic’ and to be lumped in the same category as cigarette smoking.

“It seems like every week we hear something new about something that’s going to cause cancer,” said Charles Hord, the vice president of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association.   “To try and isolate a single food and say ‘this food causes cancer’ is a little unrealistic.”

The WHO says eating 50 grams of processed meat a day increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.
“I can look and see if I can replace those nutrients or that staple of my diet with something else but for some of us it’s not financially feasible,” said David Winkie, a West End resident.

“People need to be health-conscious,” said Dr. Zheng.  “There are so many foods you can choose.”
Dr. Zheng does agree with Hord on one thing:

“I eat red meat,” said Dr. Zheng.  “I think moderation is the key.”
While the WHO is lumping red meat in the same carcinogenic category as cigarettes, it is not saying that red meat is as dangerous as smoking.

Source: fox17
Tenn. Cattlemen React to ‘Processed Meat causes Cancer’ Finding

 

 

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