Is turkey bacon/ham really better for you than regular bacon and ham?
– @Beth_Pettit
Via Twitter
No.
Both are high in sodium (approximately 325 milligrams of sodium per measly ounce!) and highly processed.
Turkey bacon and ham are lower in total and saturated fat, but not in amounts significant enough to classify it as healthier.
An ounce of turkey ham contains 0.4 grams of saturated fat; an ounce of conventional ham provides 0.8 grams.
Classifying turkey bacon and ham as healthier than conventional varieties is like saying that Coca-Cola is healthier than orange soda because it has 12 fewer grams of sugar.
I recommend taking it easy with all processed meat products — including soy-based faux cold cuts. They are low on nutrients, high in sodium, and most contain troublesome preservatives (mainly nitrites and nitrates).
My advice? Keep the bacon to two strips with brunch every Sunday.
As far as cold cuts go — if you love them in a sandwich, treat yourself to two slices a week — no more.
The evidence linking frequent consumption of processed meats with increased risk of stomach, colon, and prostate cancer is too strong to ignore.
