Meat lovers might had felt their worlds crashed for the past weeks after the World's Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that processed meat can cause cancer. Well, sausage lovers do not need to fret, because EU-funded research project is to create healthier sausages and other meat products in the years to come.
Experts from Lund University in Sweden, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) had joined together with four other European research institutions to conduct a research project that will minimize the possibility of acquiring colon cancer. With the latest announcement of WHO, the researchers believe that coming up with a solution-such as production of healthier meat, would have a great benefit to the food industry and the society as a whole.
Though the announcement made by WHO was enough for many people to reduce their meat consumption, some experts however feel that the organization does not enough proof if processed meats really cause colon cancer.
Eva Tornberg, professor of Food Technology at Lund University, stated, "Meat is a nutritious and non-allergenic food product, with high levels of protein as well high levels of necessary minerals and vitamin B. Making a serious statement like that about such a basic food product will perhaps make people no longer adhere to the warnings."
The purpose of the study is to decrease the oxidation in meat products. The researchers believe that this event would increase the possibility to prevent colon cancer. They plan to get antioxidants from fresh berries and include the extract once the meats are being processed. The end product will then be tested first to animals to see its effectiveness.
Tornberg, feeling positive with the possible outcome said, "If this hypothesis proves to be true, it will indicate that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by eating a balanced diet - in other words, together with meat, eat lots of vegetables and other things that contain antioxidants. In short, the old 'model plate' diet could once again prove to be beneficial. "Once this project would succeed, many would never fear eating sausages again.