Protein delivers amino acids for various biological functions in the body. Plant and animal meals both provide protein, but animal sources are riskier.
Processed meats and high-fat cuts are extremely high in saturated fat, a nutrient associated to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
As a result, processed meat is not the healthiest option for your heart. But what makes it so bad for your heart?
Processed meats are any meats that are salted, cured, or smoked. Sausage and bacon are two of the most common examples.
By doing this to the meat, the protein that comes out of it tends to have more sodium in it, on top of the saturated fats that the meat may already have.
As mentioned previously, excessive consumption of saturated fat is related with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you prefer to consume processed meats such as bacon, do so infrequently and in smaller portions. Also available is uncured bacon, so you can opt for it.
In addition, you should choose lean slices, which provide your body with several necessary nutrients while containing less saturated and total fat.
Notably, no significant connection was discovered between unprocessed red meat and poultry and severe cardiovascular disease.