Do you think deli meat is healthy?

pkarim

http://www.naturalnews.com/007024.html


This is scary, I hardly every eat processed meats but for those of you who have it as a staple this is some good information.

vaughny

i don't eat it often but when i buy it i make sure there is no sodium nitrate
This is why i also hate eating a subway

Pebble321

I havn't read the link but, no, I would think it was healthy. It's full of preservatives (salt and chemicals) - how would that make any food healthier? And who would think so?

killagb

Typically high in sodium, definitely isn't healthy like most processed food isn't...

jlzoda

I know that it tastes much healthier than the "prepackaged" deli meat. I LOVE "Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey" each thin slice is 1 ounce.

killagb

I know that it tastes much healthier than the "prepackaged" deli meat. I LOVE "Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey" each thin slice is 1 ounce.

Which is just as processed as the rest of it...

jlzoda

Let me just add that I do NOT eat: Bacon, Bologna, Hot Dogs, Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, etc... Even though I do love the flavor, smell, mmm...my mouth is watering! Lol I know those are not good for you. I don't think that sliced Turkey, Chicken, Roast Beef or Ham are in the same category as the above if they come sliced right at the deli counter... I very well could, and probably am wrong but I've cut so much out of my diet...I am keeping my Boar's Head Turkey!

infamousmk

Meh - everything causes cancer in one way or another.

Rworthy

Try organic or uncured lunch meats. Or make them yourself: Buy boneless skinless turkey breasts; season and bake; slice into chunks and use as sandwich meat.

*Make sure if you're eating canned tuna, buy the VERY LOW Sodium kind. The sodium in the regular or low sodium is out of this world. I eat a whole can per meal, so you have to multiply the sodium x 2.5 for one can. It is tricky.

Rworthy

Let me just add that I do NOT eat: Bacon, Bologna, Hot Dogs, Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, etc... Even though I do love the flavor, smell, mmm...my mouth is watering! Lol I know those are not good for you. I don't think that sliced Turkey, Chicken, Roast Beef or Ham are in the same category as the above if they come sliced right at the deli counter... I very well could, and probably am wrong but I've cut so much out of my diet...I am keeping my Boar's Head Turkey!

Turkey hot dogs no nitrates are delicious. I think Tyson makes them, they're new.

killagb

Let me just add that I do NOT eat: Bacon, Bologna, Hot Dogs, Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, etc... Even though I do love the flavor, smell, mmm...my mouth is watering! Lol I know those are not good for you. I don't think that sliced Turkey, Chicken, Roast Beef or Ham are in the same category as the above if they come sliced right at the deli counter... I very well could, and probably am wrong but I've cut so much out of my diet...I am keeping my Boar's Head Turkey!

Sliced at the deli is JUST as processed. It comes in one big processed chunk then they slice it for you. It's certainly no better than other processed meats, it has high sodium like the rest of it. Ham is probably one of the highest in sodium, as it is a cured meat(dried in salt). We all have our 'not-so-ideal' things we eat, which is fine of course, but just don't fool yourself into thinking it's any healthier because someone just sliced it for you. :bigsmile:

Rworthy

Let me just add that I do NOT eat: Bacon, Bologna, Hot Dogs, Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, etc... Even though I do love the flavor, smell, mmm...my mouth is watering! Lol I know those are not good for you. I don't think that sliced Turkey, Chicken, Roast Beef or Ham are in the same category as the above if they come sliced right at the deli counter... I very well could, and probably am wrong but I've cut so much out of my diet...I am keeping my Boar's Head Turkey!

Sliced at the deli is JUST as processed. It comes in one big processed chunk then they slice it for you. It's certainly no better than other processed meats, it has high sodium like the rest of it. Ham is probably one of the highest in sodium, as it is a cured meat(dried in salt). We all have our 'not-so-ideal' things we eat, which is fine of course, but just don't fool yourself into thinking it's any healthier because someone just sliced it for you. :bigsmile:

Not all deli meats are processed. Some are. Ask the clerk.

jlzoda

Deli Meats: Is There a Nutritional Difference between Fresh Cut and Pre-Packaged?

Posted By Sequoia On September 26, 2010 @ 1:31 pm In Nutrition | No Comments


Deli meats, which are also known as cold cuts, are widely available in all groceries and supermarkets all over the world. Varieties include cooked ham, sausages, chicken breast, chicken roll, corned beef, bologna, kielbasa, pastrami, proscuitto, roast beef, salami, pepperoni and turkey breast. Some prefer freshly cut deli meat for its freshness while others go for the convenience of pre-packaged cold cuts that can help one avoid the long lines. As a concerned consumer, you begin to wonder about the nutritional difference between the two choices.

Fat and Sodium
Pre-packaged meats are considered to be less healthy than freshly cut ones, because the former have been found to contain a higher concentration of fat and sodium. Fat and sodium can be detrimental to your health and cause various ailments when consumed in large amounts. Excessive fat can contribute to heart diseases, high blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels and more. Too much sodium in the body can also increase risk for high blood pressure and kidney damage.

Preservatives
Pre-packaged meats contain more preservatives than fresh cold cuts. Preservatives are substances (whether naturally occurring or synthetic) that are added to food to preserve its natural appearance and to avoid easy spoilage. However, they also have adverse effects for your health. Common forms of preservatives include benzoates (can cause brain damage over time), bromates (can cause diarrhea and destroy nutrients) and glutamates (associated with headaches, palpitations and even cancer).

Deli meat, especially pre-packed varieties, contain high levels of preservatives such as nitrites and nitrates, BHA and BHT, and monosodium glutamate. Nitrites, which are commonly found in hot dogs, bologna and other meat products that are reddish in color, are known to be carcinogenic substances. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants. In some studies, these substances were discovered to have caused cancers in rats.

The Verdict
Obviously, pre-packaged deli meats are the less healthy option. However, this does not mean to say that freshly cut deli meats are healthy. Both are unhealthy choices that contain high amounts of fat, sodium and preservatives that can cause various kinds of health problems. It is best to avoid or limit intake of such foods. If you feel the need to indulge in cold cuts once in a while, because they do taste great, it would be a better idea to stick to those that are freshly cut, as they are known to be the “lesser evil” between the two.

At the end of the day, it is still better to stick to natural lean meat found in pork, beef and poultry. Moreover, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to remain healthy.

Rworthy

"Freshly cut" low grade bologna deli meat is just as bad as pre-packaged deli meats. This article isn't factual because there is a variety of products sold at delis these days. The deli meat at Whole Foods isn't the same as the deli meats at Wal Mart. Always read the labels.

killagb

"Freshly cut" low grade bologna deli meat is just as bad as pre-packaged deli meats. This article isn't factual because there is a variety of products sold at delis these days. The deli meat at Whole Foods isn't the same as the deli meats at Wal Mart. Always read the labels.

Basically, if you want healthy lunch meats, cook chicken or turkey yourself....and don't add a bunch of salt to it. Slice it....there you go. Most everything else has sodium nitrate.

Rworthy

"Freshly cut" low grade bologna deli meat is just as bad as pre-packaged deli meats. This article isn't factual because there is a variety of products sold at delis these days. The deli meat at Whole Foods isn't the same as the deli meats at Wal Mart. Always read the labels.

Basically, if you want healthy lunch meats, cook chicken or turkey yourself....and don't add a bunch of salt to it. Slice it....there you go. Most everything else has sodium nitrate.

Applegate Organics - costs a fortune but delicious deli meats in a pinch.

Rworthy

Basically, if you want healthy lunch meats, cook chicken or turkey yourself....and don't add a bunch of salt to it. Slice it....there you go. Most everything else has sodium nitrate.

I said this already! lol

killagb

Basically, if you want healthy lunch meats, cook chicken or turkey yourself....and don't add a bunch of salt to it. Slice it....there you go. Most everything else has sodium nitrate.

I said this already! lol

Ok then I second the motion! :glasses:

jlzoda

Thanks for the tip! I will try them

jlzoda

I agree completely...

Silverkittycat

The GoodGuide is great for finding the healthiest choices - www.goodguide.com/categories/255866-packaged-poultry##products

dancingj2

I do think one of those old sayings apply - everythign in moderation.

So many studies say this or that is either good or bad for you. I think a deli sandwhich from time to time is tasty and not going to kill me. However eating processed meat everyday is proably not good for you.

killagb

I do think one of those old sayings apply - everythign in moderation.

So many studies say this or that is either good or bad for you. I think a deli sandwhich from time to time is tasty and not going to kill me. However eating processed meat everyday is proably not good for you.

Agree on this as well, indulging here and there helps keep you on track so you don't feel like you're being deprived.

pkarim

I just wanted so share since I know many people who live off processed foods and they are overweight and have high blood pressure and have had family members die of cancer. It's really easy to say everything causes cancer but for those that eat a turkey sandwhich everyday this is just something to think about

charsauce

no way! So processed/sodium filled. I don't eat any meat all, but if I did, I would try my best to avoid deli meat. Great post though!

bubbaduts

I know that it tastes much healthier than the "prepackaged" deli meat. I LOVE "Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey" each thin slice is 1 ounce.

Which is just as processed as the rest of it...

actually boars head is the healthy choice of deli meat it has no nitrates minimally processed look it up boars head is the good stuff.

killagb

I know that it tastes much healthier than the "prepackaged" deli meat. I LOVE "Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey" each thin slice is 1 ounce.

Which is just as processed as the rest of it...

actually boars head is the healthy choice of deli meat it has no nitrates minimally processed look it up boars head is the good stuff.

I've had it plenty and know what it is. It's still processed and has high sodium...

bubbaduts

Nutrition Facts
Serv size: 2 oz (56g), Servings:
Varied, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 80, Fat cal 20, Total fat 2.5g (4% DV), Sat fat 1g (5% DV),
Trans fat 0g, Monounsat fat 1g, Polyunsat fat 0g, Cholest 30mg (10%
DV), Sodium 80mg (3% DV), Potassium 180mg (5% DV), Total carb <1g
(0% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 15g (30% DV), Vitamin A
(0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent
Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

If the roast beef i get is so high in sodium then i cant imagine how low your salt intake is. Dont be ignorant without fully researching the subject 80 mg of sodium is so minimal that your statement of high in sodium is laughable.

killagb

Nutrition Facts
Serv size: 2 oz (56g), Servings:
Varied, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 80, Fat cal 20, Total fat 2.5g (4% DV), Sat fat 1g (5% DV),
Trans fat 0g, Monounsat fat 1g, Polyunsat fat 0g, Cholest 30mg (10%
DV), Sodium 80mg (3% DV), Potassium 180mg (5% DV), Total carb <1g
(0% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 15g (30% DV), Vitamin A
(0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent
Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

If the roast beef i get is so high in sodium then i cant imagine how low your salt intake is. Dont be ignorant without fully researching the subject 80 mg of sodium is so minimal that your statement of high in sodium is laughable.

Whatever makes you feel better about yourself...I wasn't talking about "the roast beef you get"(which is incidentally the ONLY product they have that low...), now was I? I was making a blanket statement about their meats. Can you show me that ALL of their meats are equally low in sodium? Go on...please do, I'm positive it will make you feel better about yourself if you can. (by the way...the originally mentioned Ovengold Turkey...check that one out...do you consider 350mg low for 2 oz?)

KayteeBear

Honestly...everything gives you cancer now days. I remember when Ketchup chips were said to give you cancer......

Anyway, they aren't necessarily healthy but every now and then won't kill you. I barely ever buy them (actually bought them first time today but more for the boyfriend than myself) I do prefer to just cook my own chicken or turkey or whatever. When I bought the however I did check the nutritional values and the ingredient list because as with everything else you can find a better out of the options in front of you.