Who are the people who should avoid eating ham?

Ham is one of the ingredients often found in many of our common dishes. Because it's a relatively inexpensive and easy ingredient to add to meals, it's become a common habit to eat.

However, for several years now, the ingestion of this product has raised several alarms. Since 2015, when the World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) published a report stating that red and processed meat are potential carcinogens. For this reason, ham was included on the list of problematic foods.

READ: Profeco: These are the best brands of turkey ham at a low price Nutritional properties of ham

Jamón is the general term for a product that comes in different varieties. All of these varieties can be purchased throughout the year. However, although its properties and benefits vary depending on the quality and category, the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) praises the nutritional value of ham.

In this way, Serrano ham was presented as an important source of protein and high biological value. This was thanks to its high biological value fat and protein content, even surpassing fresh meat in fat and protein thanks to the loss of water during the production process.

The characteristic aroma and flavor of Serrano ham are thanks to its fat, which can vary depending on the species, breed, sex, age, part consumed and diet of the animal from which it is obtained. The fat in this ham contains large amounts of oleic acid, similar to that of olive oil, which has cardiovascular benefits.

Furthermore, Serrano ham is rich in iron, zinc, and phosphorus, covering 21% of the recommended intake of phosphorus. However, due to its high sodium content, it should be consumed infrequently and in small amounts by people who require a diet low in this mineral.

ALSO: Profeco 2025: These are the brands that pass themselves off as ham and don't comply. Which people shouldn't eat ham?

Consuming ham daily, especially in large quantities, can have serious health side effects. One of the main factors to consider is its high sodium content, as mentioned above. This content could raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in people with hypertension or heart problems.

Furthermore, ham contains saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended to moderate your intake and opt for healthier sources of fats.

In addition, you should also take into account that some hams contain additives such as nitrates and nitrites, used to preserve and enhance the flavor of the product. These additives are linked to potential health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. Given this situation, it is essential to read product labels and opt for more natural hams with fewer additives.

EM