This Will Make You Think Twice About Meat in a Can

on January 31, 2012 at 3:55 PM

canned processed meat Processed meat in a can, sometimes known as "Spam," might skeeve you out, but in reality, it's one of the most common foods on Native American reservations and a popular choice in various populations -- like lower-income, rural communities and even on Hawaii, where they make Spam sushi! But a new study found that Native Americans who often ate Spam had a two-fold increased risk of developing diabetes over those who ate little or none. Eeeek!

I guess it should really come as no real surprise, given how unhealthy this sort of food is. As the researchers acknowledged, people who eat the most processed meats tend to be heavier, with larger waistlines, raising the possibility that the foods contribute to obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes.

Plus, processed meats are packed with a lot more sodium than unprocessed kinds.

Now, of course, cold cuts and other processed meats aren't exactly the same thing as Spam, and the study didn't look at how types of meat other than Spam might relate to diabetes, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're not exactly doing our health any favors. The American Meat Institute, which represents companies that process meat, said that "processed meats are a safe and nutritious part of a balanced diet," but uh ... as far as I'm concerned, that's up for debate.

One thing's for sure: Studies like this one serve as a reminder that we tend to fare better when we eat more fresh veggies and less of anything that goes through a machine on its way into our bellies. Unfortunately, processed foods are often what's most affordable and available in lower-income communities. Almost 70 percent of Americans eat one serving or less of fresh produce each day -- and the issue is magnified in the nation's poorest communities -- especially those labeled "food deserts," because healthy food is often unavailable for purchase.

So a study like this really drives home the point that we could all stand to help these communities get their hands on fresher foods. (For instance, in some cities, are food trucks filled with fresh produce from nearby farms that drive through the neighborhoods.) It's an aim that would clearly have a reverberating effect on Americans' well-being.

How do you feel about eating Spam and other processed meats?

About the author Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

Filed Under: eating healthy, eating habits, general health

Comments (17)

Beej127

on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:20 PM

I tasted Spam a few weeks ago. It did not taste like any meat. All I tasted was salt. It was not good.

Report this comment

Melissa042807

on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:21 PM

Of course they're going to say "processed meats are a safe and nutritious part of a balanced diet," because they want us to purchase that product. It's all about The Almighty Dollar, people.

Nonmember comment from zizzler

on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:27 PM

I think only impoverished people eat canned meat (there are exceptions, of course). When I was a kids we'd get food boxes with canned meat and simply throw it out...not even our dog would eat it...ick! My point is, the health of ppl usually eating spam on a regular basis are screwed in all kinds of ways. Poverty=bad health.

RhondaVeggie

on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:31 PM

The American meat institute is hardly going to tell people to eat more tofu. If people decoded to eat a healthy diet they'd be out of jobs.

ashjo85

on Jan 31, 2012 at 5:49 PM

I think of McDonald's as delicous food, and even I hate Spam. It's salty and nasty, and smells gross being cooked or heated. My mother used to make mac and cheese for dinner, with grilled Spam. I won't touch the stuff.

elijahsmama09

My approach to eating is the more natural or closest the thing you are eating appears in nature, the better it is for you. I have never seen a spam tree, or a spam animal so I wont be eating it.

AkashaGermaine

on Jan 31, 2012 at 6:16 PM

Gah! There are some real snobs on here. I eat healthy, I eat too much but it is healthy, and I eat Spam. I love it, but then I love all things salty. My overly picky daughter eats it. I feed seven people on two hundred dollars a week in california so spam is a staple in my house. When ground beef is $3.99 a pound and tomatoes are the same but a can of store brand spam is less than $2 I have to look at the botton line.