Consumption of processed red meat and its impact on human health: A review

Meat is an important component of the human diet, and the consumption of processed meat is high, despite the increasing popularity of the vegetarian model of nutrition. Both meat and meat product consumption contribute to delivering many vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B12; moreover, meat products are a significant source of high biological value protein, providing essential amino acids. Processed meat should be eaten in moderation. Excessive consumption of processed red meat (cured and smoked) carries the risk of developing new diseases or intensifying existing ones. This review aims to present scientific reports on the role and safety of the consumption of processed red meat in the diet of healthy individuals. The impact of meat consumption on the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver and infertility was described.