Cardiologist Aurelio Rojas warns against processed meat consumption

Cardiologist Aurelio Rojas has issued warnings regarding the frequent consumption of processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, salami, and chorizo, describing them as some of the worst foods for health due to their association with increased mortality risks.

A key concern highlighted is the presence of nitrates and nitrites, used for preservation and color. Rojas advises consumers to check labels for codes E249 through E252 to identify these additives.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organization, classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens. Research suggests that consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily is associated with an approximately 18% increase in the relative risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, Rojas noted that children often consume between two to three times the recommended amount of these products.