Episode 134: Is Ham as bad as Cigarettes? episode artwork

EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 7 MIN

Episode 134: Is Ham as bad as Cigarettes?

from Bite Me Nutrition · host Jonathan Steedman, APD

In this episode, I unpack the controversy around ham and processed meats, and separate the facts from the fearmongering. I explain what it actually means when processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, why that doesn’t mean it’s as dangerous as smoking, and how social media has done a pretty poor job of explaining the difference.I also break down the real increase in bowel cancer risk associated with processed meats, how to put that risk into context, and why nutrition decisions are rarely black and white.Time Stamps:00:00 — Why ham has become so controversial01:40 — What a Group 1 carcinogen actually means03:30 — The real cancer risk from processed meat05:00 — Why context matters when making food choices06:30 — Why ham isn’t “as bad as smoking”Click me for show notes! PS. If you're interested in a weight loss program with delicious food, daily access to me and a supportive community that won't mess up your relationship with food, ​click here to join the weightlist​. 

In this episode, I unpack the controversy around ham and processed meats, and separate the facts from the fearmongering. I explain what it actually means when processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, why that doesn’t mean it’s as dangerous as smoking, and how social media has done a pretty poor job of explaining the difference. I also break down the real increase in bowel cancer risk associated with processed meats, how to put that risk into context, and why nutrition decis...

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Episode 134: Is Ham as bad as Cigarettes?

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This episode is 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 29, 2026.

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In this episode, I unpack the controversy around ham and processed meats, and separate the facts from the fearmongering. I explain what it actually means when processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, why that doesn’t mean it’s as...

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