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​. 

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 29, 2026

Embed this episode

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...

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

Episode 134: Is Ham as bad as Cigarettes?

0:00 7:01

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Bite Me Nutrition?

This episode is 7 minutes long.

When was this Bite Me Nutrition episode published?

This episode was published on May 29, 2026.

Can I download this Bite Me Nutrition episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!