Deli Meat..

 

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."

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, which some studies have found to be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing.

For instance, a 2022 study 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 salami, bologna and pepperoni, are also high in saturated fats, which, according to registered dietitian "are linked to things like higher risk of cancer, higher risk of heart disease, higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure."