Contains a lot of saturated fat
Processed meats such as sausage, sausage or cold cuts are often made from fatty meats, so the saturated fat content is quite high. This type of fat can increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Effects on the gut microbiome
The gut microbiome plays an important role in many aspects of health, including cholesterol control. A diet high in meat, especially processed meat, can reduce the diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
When the microbiome is imbalanced, the ability to regulate cholesterol absorption and excretion is also affected. At the same time, it increases the risk of chronic inflammation - a factor related to cardiovascular disease.
High sodium content
Besides saturated fat, processed meat often contains more sodium than fresh meat. Sodium is added to extend the shelf life of food.
However, a high-sodium diet can increase the risk of high blood pressure, causing the heart to work harder and negatively affecting cardiovascular health.
