Processed meat products that are eaten on the bread
Meat products are not in the Wheel of Five. Why not? And what can you put on bread as an alternative?
From ham to salami and from chicken breast to luncheon meat: meat products are not included in the Wheel of Five, partly because they often contain a lot of saturated fat and salt. This is less favorable for the heart and blood vessels. But that’s not the only reason. Processed meats are processed meats and according to the Health Council their consumption is associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. With a daily consumption of 50 grams of processed meat (such as meat products) the risk is
- on colorectal cancer 15 percent higher compared to someone who does not eat processed meat.
- of having a stroke is 10 percent higher compared to someone who does not eat processed meat.
- on type 2 diabetes 20 percent higher compared to someone who does not eat processed meat.
The Nutrition Center therefore advises eating meat products in moderation.
Processed meat
The definition of cold cuts: processed meat products that are eaten on the bread. This processing takes place in the factory. For example, fat and mechanically separated meat are used for the preparation of cervelate sausage. Separator meat is the meat that remains on the bones after slaughter and cutting of the meat. The meat is ground and mixed with, for example, herbs, aromas, (a lot of) salt, sugar, antioxidants and a preservative such as nitrite. Many substances are added to meat products to extend the shelf life, such as dextrose, nitrate and nitrite. Sausages are usually dried and then packaged. So quite a lot is done with meat to make meat products. A fresh piece of chicken breast that you eat with the evening meal is therefore healthier than chicken breast that you buy as meat products and which falls under processed meat.
Sugar in meat products
Meat products naturally contain mainly proteins and fat. There are a number of reasons why the manufacturer sometimes adds sugar:
- Sugar enhances the taste or obscures a slightly less delicious taste.
- Sugar can give cold cuts a crunchy caramel-like crust. Just think of the dark edge of cat bacon.
- Sugar is sometimes needed for the fermentation process. Some meats, such as chorizo and salami, are fermented. During fermentation, bacteria, yeasts and fungi convert certain substances in the meat. That may sound less appetizing, but it is precisely this fermentation process that can give meat products the taste, color and aroma that we like. Meat also has a longer shelf life.
- Water is added to some meats for some extra volume. Seasonings such as salt, aroma and sugar are often added to that water.
By the way, there is not a lot of sugar in meat products. Per 100 grams (the portion you usually buy prepackaged), it is usually a maximum of 4 grams of sugar. For example, 100 grams of chorizo contains 3 grams of sugar, grilled gammon contains 1.8 grams and luncheon meat 0.7 grams.
Alternative to cold cuts
Do you like savory spreads and do you want to take less meat products? Think nut butter, egg, cottage cheese with tomato slices and chives, grilled vegetables and homemade hummus.