EATING just one sausage can increase your risk of deadly heart disease by 20 per cent, doctors have warned.
Experts at the University of Oxford found that red and processed meats such as bacon, sausage and ham increased the risk – but that there was no link between chicken and turkey.
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death in the UK and about 10 in 100 people would be expected to eventually die from the condition.
In order to avoid heart disease and other conditions caused by over-consumption of red and processed meat, the experts said that ifall these 100 people reduced their unprocessed red meat intake by three-quarters deaths would decrease to 9 in 100.
The result would also be the same if they stopped eating processed meat altogether.
On average, a supermarket-bought sausage weighs in at around 47g, three slices of bacon are around 45g and thinly sliced meat such as ham or beef would be around 30g a slice.
Experts state that meat is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
The NHS states that in order to have a healthy balanceddiet, you should have no more than 70g of processed meat each day.
The experts found that by having almost double that helping, your risk of heart disease was increased.
'CUT DOWN'
The researchers found that people who consumed a 50g a day higher intake of processed meat increased the risk of coronary heart disease by 18 per cent
For those who consumed 50g a day higher intake of unprocessed red meat – the risk increased by nine per cent.
Co-lead author of the study, Nuffield Department of Population Health's Dr Keren Papier said that red and processed meat have been consistently linked with bowel cancer.
She added: "Our findings suggest an additional role in heart disease. Therefore, current recommendations to limit red and processed meat consumption may also assist with the prevention of coronary heart disease."
In order to get their results, the experts looked at data from over 1.4 million people over a 30 year period.
The study, published in Food Science and Nutrition highlights that the increased risk of heart disease could be down to the high content of saturated fat in red meat, and of salt in processed meat.
People who consume large amounts of saturated fat increase their levels of cholesterol.
Those who have too much salt in their diet are also likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
The experts said that high levels of cholesterol combined with high blood pressure are known risk factors of coronary heart disease.
The signs of heart disease
HEART disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK – and the world.
About one in four people in Western countries die of heart disease, so it's important you learn the key signs.
Professor David Newby, from the British Heart Foundation, says there are 11 symptoms you need to take seriously…
- Chest pain – if you have chest pain and you feel extremely unwell, you should dial 999 and get an ambulance as soon as possible.
- Feeling sick – not every bout of nausea could mean a heart attack – but if it's accompanied with pain then warning bells should be going off.
- Stomach pain – it may feel a little like indigestion, but sometimes that ache could be the early signs of a heart attack.
- Feeling sweaty – feeling hot and clammy along with chest pains is a sign that you should call an ambulance.
- Leg pain – if you get a gripping, cramping sensation in your calves when you are walking, it might be worth seeing your doctor, as that can be a marker of PAD (peripheral arterial disease).
- Arm pain – if the pain is going down the arm, especially on the left side, or it goes into the neck, that means it's more likely to be heart-related than indigestion.
- Jaw or back pain – the pain can be in other unusual places like the jaw or back.
- Choking sensation – sometimes the pain can be felt up in the throat and people tend to describe it as a choking sensation.
- Swollen ankles – it can be a marker of heart failure, but it is also very common and has lots of other causes.
- Extreme fatigue – if you start experiencing extreme tiredness and your lifestyle hasn’t changed, it’s a good idea to chat to your GP.
- Irregular heartbeat – if it's going very fast and jumping around erratically then it's probably time to see your GP.
Co-author, Dr Anika Knüppel said a reduction of meat consumption woild also help the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions.
She explained: "We need to reduce meat production and thereby consumption to benefit the environment.
"Our study shows that a reduction in red and processed meat intake would bring personal health benefits too."
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