Diet rich in processed meat 'may worsen asthma symptoms'

Conclusion This study adds to concerns that cured meats like bacon, ham and sausage may be harmful to our health. Curing was long used to preserve meat before the days of refrigeration. It often involves the use of salt, which in itself may be bad for health, and produces compounds called nitrites. Nitrites are thought to cause inflammation to the airways, which might worsen asthma symptoms. This study does not in itself prove cured meats worsen asthma symptoms. Previous studies have not shown this, and this study does have some limitations. For example, it may not have completely accounted for confounding factors, and the decision to treat BMI as a mediating factor might overplay the significance of cured meats. One expert from the British Dietetic Association said the food questionnaire seemed to be insufficiently detailed to fully account for the effects of different foods – for example, high- or low-fat dairy products. And we don't know whether the types of cured meat regularly eaten in France have the same effect on the body as those most often eaten in the UK. We don't need a study to tell us that eating a lot of salty, high-fat processed meat is likely to be unhealthy, especially if we do it year-round. A balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fresh food, vegetables, wholegrains, pulses and fruits, without a lot of saturated fat, salt or sugar, is the best option.    Links To The Headlines Processed meat 'could be bad for asthma'. BBC News, December 21 2...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Heart/lungs Source Type: news