Deli meat is one of those things you hear nasty rumors about but don't really know what to make of them because no one really seems to have facts other than that deli meat is "bad." Here are a few things to keep in mind when eating deli meat and then you can decide for yourself if it is good or bad
1. Listeria is a bacteria commonly found on deli meat. For most people we can fight it off and never be made sick by it. However, in pregnancy, listeria is not only harder to fight off due to a weaker immune system, but it can also harm the baby. This is why women are told to avoid or nuke (microwave) deli meat before eating it.
2. Deli meats are often more processed which means they have added salt. Excess salt intake has ben linked to high blood pressure.
3. Some deli meats are made of bits and pieces you wouldn't necessarily eat by themselves...at least not in America. Often times when these meats are ground up to make inexpensive deli meat they are ground up with lots of fat making the finished product higher in fat.
What about nitrites?
I totally used to think that nitrites were a problem in processed meat. They turn it pink and give us cancer, right? WRONG Did you know vegetables actually have more nitrites than processed meat? I totally got that answer wrong on a quiz once in Dr. Fullmer's clinical nutrition class, even after I read the chapter. Which is why I still remember.
So don't despair. If you were worried about nitrites, don't. If you are pregnant, microwaved it (nasty). If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes you'd probably be best to keep your deli meat consumption on the lower end just because the salt and fat isn't doing much for you. If you aren't pregnant, worried about nitrites, have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes enjoy deli meat from time to time. The choice is up to you.
2. Deli meats are often more processed which means they have added salt. Excess salt intake has ben linked to high blood pressure.
3. Some deli meats are made of bits and pieces you wouldn't necessarily eat by themselves...at least not in America. Often times when these meats are ground up to make inexpensive deli meat they are ground up with lots of fat making the finished product higher in fat.
What about nitrites?
I totally used to think that nitrites were a problem in processed meat. They turn it pink and give us cancer, right? WRONG Did you know vegetables actually have more nitrites than processed meat? I totally got that answer wrong on a quiz once in Dr. Fullmer's clinical nutrition class, even after I read the chapter. Which is why I still remember.
So don't despair. If you were worried about nitrites, don't. If you are pregnant, microwaved it (nasty). If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes you'd probably be best to keep your deli meat consumption on the lower end just because the salt and fat isn't doing much for you. If you aren't pregnant, worried about nitrites, have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes enjoy deli meat from time to time. The choice is up to you.