Scientists say processed meat could be bad for you

            Scientists say eating too much processed meat - like bacon, ham, or some sausages - can be bad for your health.

           

            They did a study of half a million people and found that those who ate lots of processed meat products - meat preserved using salt, smoke or chemicals - were more likely to get serious health problems in the future.

           

            The UK government recommends people eat no more than 70 grams of processed meat each day - the same as a couple of slices of bacon. But this report recommends people eat just 20 grams. Some sausages count as processed meat, but only if they have preservatives in them.

           

            The study actually found that eating a little bit of meat - even processed meat - had health benefits. Meat contains lots of nutrients like protein and iron which are essential to keep your body fit and healthy.

           

            Experts say that lean meat like chicken and turkey is healthiest.

           

            The study followed people from 10 European countries for around 13 years.

            What is red meat? Red meat includes beef, lamb and pork including minced beef, pork chops and roast lamb. It does not include chicken or turkey meat.

           

            What is processed meat? Processed meat is meat that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives. So this means food like ham, bacon, and hot dogs.

            Is meat good for you? Meat is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B vitamins. It is one of the main sources of vitamin B12, which is also found in milk.

Match the words below to their definitions

benefits / essential / nutrients / preserved / processed / recommends    

describes food that has been treated with chemicals that preserve it or give it extra taste or colour

describes food that has been treated so that it can be kept for a long time without going bad

advises that you should do something

helpful or good effects

substances which plants or animals need in order to live and grow

necessary

True or false?

1.  All sausages are preserved.

2.  There is only one way to preserve meat.

3.  The report recommends less than the government does.

4.  You should avoid meat entirely.

5.  The study was only done in the UK.

6.  Two slices of bacon weight about 70 grams.

7.  Nutrients keep your body healthy.

8.  Some meats are better for you than others.

What is the missing word?

1.  Meat contains lots of nutrients like ________________ and iron.

2.  Experts say that ______________ meat like chicken and turkey is healthiest.

3.  The UK ______________ recommends people eat no more than 70 grams.

4.  But this _____________ recommends people eat just 20 grams.

KEY

processed            describes food that has been treated with chemicals that preserve it or give it extra taste or colour

preserved             describes food that has been treated so that it can be kept for a long time without going bad

recommends       advises that you should do something

benefits                                 helpful or good effects

nutrients                substances which plants or animals need in order to live and grow

essential               necessary

True or false?

1. False

2. False

3. True

4. False

5. False

6. True

7. True

8. True

What is the missing word?

1. protein

2. lean

3. government

4. report