We eat pig, usually in the form of ham and bacon. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, just 50 grams of processed meat (about two slices of bacon or ham) a day can increase the risk of bowel cancer by 18%. The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is compelling evidence that it causes cancer.
The problem is the nitrite and nitrate preservatives used to preserve it—when they reach the intestines, they form another chemical called nitrosamines that can damage the cells lining the intestines. While you can buy processed meats that are free of nitrites and nitrates, they are not ideal.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer also says that cooking meat and processed meat - especially pan-frying at high temperatures and grilling or smoking - may lead to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are also considered carcinogens. , the Cancer Council advises people to limit their intake of processed meats, regardless of whether they contain nitrite or nitrate preservatives. "
So what can you eat to replace the delicious flavor of bacon and ham? The rich flavor of mushrooms makes them an easy substitute for bacon or ham in mixed dishes like pizza or quiche, or sauté them in olive oil and serve them with eggs for breakfast—a dash of coconut aminos or soy sauce adds extra depth. Plant-based dips like beetroot hummus are flavorful enough to replace ham in a sandwich, while adding salad and sun-dried tomatoes enhances the flavour.
You can also bacon a lot of plant-based foods with the right marinade, you just need the right seasonings to create that savory umami flavor. From eggplant slices, oyster mushroom stems, and even rice paper. The secret is to use a marinade made with ingredients like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, and maple syrup.
Tempeh bacon can also be served with baked beans and hash browns, simply marinate thinly sliced tempeh in soy sauce, smoked paprika, and maple syrup and fry until crispy.
Any leftovers can be substituted for ham in the sandwich. There are plant-based hams hidden in sandwiches to fool die-hard ham eaters. Like fake bacon, they're a convenient alternative, but some can be high in salt and highly processed - so look for products with the least amount of sodium and ingredients you'd find in your kitchen rather than a lab The same ingredients are found.
Sales of plant-based proteins are skewed toward mainstream customers who also buy meat, rather than dedicated vegetarians.
But for a healthier plant-based sandwich or breakfast, we're better off eating whole foods like hummus, tofu, mushrooms, or tempeh, rather than too much processed fake ham and bacon. This way we can contribute to our own health and the health of our pigs.
