As it turned out, after nearly 14 years, women who ate processed meats like sausage, salami, bacon, and ham five times a week faced a 30 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to woman who ate processed meats less than one time a week on average. Women who ate unprocessed meat like beef, pork, veal, and lamb did not experience a significant increase in type 2 diabetes risk, suggesting that the excess salt and nitrates added to processed meats could affect glucose metabolism and diabetes risk. There are plenty of other reasons to cut back on the amount of meat you eat. Previous studies have linked additives in processed meats to cancer, and the US Department of Agriculture has pointed out that US meat is often contaminated with veterinary drugs, including antibiotics. In terms of the environment, cutting back on animal products, even just going meatless one day a week, can help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions associated with industrial farming needed to feed the developing world. More from Prevention: 14 Fantastically Healthy Foods For Diabetics
