How harmful are your lunches?

The humble ham and salad sandwich is something most of us associate with a healthy food choice for lunch or even the kids lunches. But if you look deeper into the hams, polonies and any processed meat that you can get at your local continental deli you may change your mind. In our role as restriction removalists in a bid to make you healthier we felt it our duty to make you aware of a few things so you can make your own mind up.

Ham, polony, salami or any other processed meat you can get hold of will contain a nitrite or a nitrate. The role of these additives are to preserve the meat and stop bacteria and salmonella being passed onto us. But there is serious concerns of these additives as a cancer causing agent. Especially if the products are eaten daily or more. Not to mention the other additives such as Carrageenan 407, flavour enhancers, excess amounts of salt and even MSG. Cancers of the esophagus, larynx, mouth, liver and stomach seem to be associated with nitrosamines," says Alexander Hall, an assistant professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.

Here are other damning reasons we should be looking for better alternatives for lunch meats and sandwiches.

• Meat byproducts such as lips, tripe, heart and intestines are used in processed meats


• Many lunch meats are listed as containing added moisture which is really solutions of sodium, spices and water


• MSG is found in most lunchtime meats

So what's the other alternative to your ham, polony or salami and salad sandwiches for lunch. Well it may require a little bit more effort but we can tell you the health benefits for you and your children are going to be worth the effort. We have put together a few tips you can use to help.

• Instead of processed meats use home cooked roast meats such as chicken, beef, mutton or pork. Cook a roast and use the cold meat for sandwiches. Tuna and salmon is another great healthy replacement.


• Go to your local organic shop or butcher to source an organic low nitrite or nitrate ham or prosciutto and use the meat only once a week not every day.


• Change to eating more natural foods in a salad such as chick peas, kidney beans, avocado and even eggs.

If you need any more info or assistance please get in touch we are here to help, why not even request a Risk Analysis health diagnostic from us. If health is a big priority for you any effort taken now is an investment into your future and your families.