Madsen Pirie

A major medical study of nearly half a million people spread across 10 European countries covering 13 years has pinpointed processed meats as a significant cause of early deaths.  Those who consumed higher proportions of processed meats were found at greater risk of premature death.  The estimate was that in Britain perhaps 3,000 lives might be saved each year out of the 100,000 who die before age 65.  This 3.3 percent reduction could be gained by limiting processed meat intake to 20gm per day, the equivalent of one rasher of bacon.  Processed meat means that which has been preserved by being smoked, salted, cured or has had preservatives added to it.  It includes bacon, ham, sausages and salami, and is linked to increased incidence of cancer and heart disease.

Coming on top of the stories purporting to link fizzy drinks with obesity, it will no doubt only be a matter of time before some misguided group of doctors proposes a tax on processed meats to accompany the fizzy drink tax and the minimum alcohol price.  They could perhaps save a great deal of effort if they simply listed the food and drink that people were to be permitted to eat.  Then while everyone dined healthily on poached fish and streamed cucumber, the doctors could draw up a minimum exercise plan to inflict upon us…

While we should not live recklessly, it’s a good thing to have fun.  Yes, some sugary cakes are nice, bacon can be amazingly appetizing, summer barbecues with hot dogs are pleasant, fizzy drinks are refreshing and stimulating, and alcohol is a good way of unwinding in the company of friends.  It’s fine for medics to point out the risks that some foods might pose, but not in shrill tones that might raise our stress levels too high.  The trick is not to overdo these enjoyments too often.  Chill out and make your own decisions about what to eat and drink.  Act sensibly, but make sure you have enough fun to stay happy.

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