Bacon and other cured meats have gained a less than favorable reputation among health conscious consumers for their high fat and cholesterol levels. But a recent study shows those meats might help in the prevention and recovery of heart attacks. These foods have long been considered carcinogens, or cancer-causing, but an University Medical School graduate said not only is that theory false, but including cured meats in a regular diet is actually important for heart health. Nathan Bryan, who graduated from LSU Shreveport’s Medical School in 2004, is a cardiovascular physicologist at the University of Texas in Houston. He authored the study that appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal earlier this month. Bryan found that foods rich in nitrates such as fruits and vegetables, and nitrites such as cured meats can be eaten regularly as a way to prevent heart attacks. He said nitric oxide gas, formed from nitrite, reopens closed or clogged arteries during a heart attack. “There was a big push by the government to limit nitrite in foods, but it’s actually important to have nitrite to prevent food borne bacteria, rancidity and spoiling,” Bryan said. “People have tended to stay away from cured meats, but there’s no link between cancer and nitrite.” Bryan performed his study by feeding mice extra nitrite and nitrate. He said these mice had a higher survival rate of heart attacks than those fed less nitrite and nitrate. Bryan said consumption of cured meats must be in moderation ,and added his goal is to make nitrite consumption a preventative measure more than simply a treatment after the fact. Vanessa Richard, registered dietitian at the Student Health Center, said nitrites and nitrates are safe additives, but any processed meats should be limited because of the high cholesterol and saturated fat content they often contain. “I recommend for heart health an increase in fruits and vegetables and fresh meats – those not processed,” Richard said. “In my own diet, I would not increase processed meats for heart reasons because high cholesterol and saturated fat levels have heart disease effects as well.” Chris Chaney, Information Systems and Decision Sciences senior, said he rarely eats fruits, vegetables or many cured meats besides bacon. “[The study] definitely changes how I look at those foods,” Chaney said. “But it’s going to take a little time to make any changes.” Chaney said because of his busy schedule, he takes many vitamins to make up for those foods he does not regularly eat. Miriam Ruzicka, English and theatre freshman, said she has been dieting for the past two months and has completely cut out meats high in fat like bacon and sausage. “I do eat lots of fruits and veggies,” Ruzicka said. “If I weren’t on a strict diet, I might be more apt to eat more cured meats.” She said she believes that although cured meats could be good for heart health, the preparation of them might still be important. “As long as the meat was real lean as opposed to having a lot of fat, I could see the benefits,” Ruzicka said. Ruzicka said her concern with the release of this study is that people would “go crazy with it.” “It sounds like something that would probably need to be done in moderation,” she said about the increased consumption of cured meats.
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