What exactly is processed meat, and why is it bad for you?

Question

What exactly is processed meat, and why is it bad for you?

Answer 1

Processed meats include things like hot dogs and deli meats such as salami, and things like cooked ham and sausages. Basically, any type of meat that's not in it's original form and has had seasonings and chemicals added are considered processed meat.  They can be all right in moderation but I wouldn't recommend eating to much as they are full of sodium and nitrates plus a host of other additives that have raised some health concerns.  

They can also be a source of unfriendly bacteria. Right now, here in Canada, there's a problem with the processing itself as we're in the middle of a listeriosis (a very nasty bacteria) outbreak that has killed about a dozen people and has resulted in the recall of about 200 products from one meat plant.  Processed meat of all types are now being questioned here because of the processing methods used and the inspection of the processing plants.

Answer 2

Usually way too salty, and since, like hotdogs, you really have no clue what's in there, enjoy at your own risk.

Answer 3

If you eat too much of anything, it is bad for you.  Processed meat often have too much salt, and can also have other chemicals added to it.  On the other hand, raw meat can harbor germs such as salmonella.  

Answer 4

It is meat made up of various cuts and it has nitrates and additives and such added to it.  Bad for you?  Helk, too much of anything is bad.  Everything in moderation.  If you like baloney you can make room for it in your diet.