Preserved meats (bacon, ham, sausages, salami, jerky, smoked meats, deli meats, bologna and so forth) seem to be linked to ill health much more than other animal products are. In addition to being high in preservatives, preserved meats also tend to be excessively high in salt and sugar.
Exactly what it is in preserved meats that leads to diseases such as cancer is unclear. Nitrates and nitrites have been on the short list of suspects, but we may never have a definitive answer. What is clear is that, by avoiding these products, you will be taking one less chance with your health.
To replace preserved lunch meats in your home, just roast a chunk of meat that you like and slice it thin. Shop in natural-food stores for fresh sausages without additives – these appear to have no downside.
Incidentally, on those special occasions when you do indulge in preserved meats, a prudent step would be to eat antioxidant-rich vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli) and fruits (such as berries and apples) to combat some of the adverse effects of the preservatives.
