UA dietitian in response to WHO report: Bacon OK in moderation

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - A new study suggests eating processed meats could cause cancer.

The World Health Organization says eating bacon along with other processed meats could increase your risk of colon and stomach cancers. They add red meat is probably cancer causing as well.

Researchers studied 500,000 middle-aged men and women and found by simply eating 50 grams of processed meat a day can increase the risk of colon cancer by 18-percent.

University of Alabama registered dietician Sheena Gregg says this study really isn't anything new. It's just puts numbers to what health professionals have been saying for years.

"The way it's processed. It does create more oxidized stress in the body. These types of foods may be smoked. There may be some chemical added. So for a lot of folks there can be some health risks involved," Gregg said.

Bacon lovers tell WBRC its hard to give it up.

"It is just so good, man. It's the forbidden love man," said Cortez Tabb, a bacon fan.

Gregg says it doesn't mean you need to stop eating bacon. Just do it in moderation.

"You just want to make sure you're getting a great balance food, vegetables. Your whole grains as well as lean meats and also having those fun foods like that bacon and hot dog every now and again at a cookout," Gregg added.

Cortez already told you his love for bacon, but he is hoping to cut back and get back into shape. He's training to be a National Guardsman.

"I got to work at it. It's hard to give up the bacon, but she is going to have to go," Tabb said.

Also it's no secret, adding in exercise with that healthy diet will cut down on your health risks as well.

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