Are Deli Meats Safe for Kids?

While processed deli meat sandwiches are a popular lunch for kids, it may not be a good idea for them to have them too often. The World Cancer Research Fund based in the UK suggests that it could be bad for their long term health, eventually leading to cancer. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, any amount of deli meats increase the risk of colorectal cancer for children and adults.

According to WCRF, bowel cancer could be dramatically reduced if weekly consumption of deli meats was reduced to the equivalent of three strips of bacon. It's important not to feed much deli meat to children, because if they develop a taste for it, then the bad eating habits could stay with them for life.

It is suggested that healthier lunch alternatives are given to children, such as fish, poultry, lean meat, hummus and low fat cheese. Ideally, it is best if deli meats are not eaten at all, but more realistically, it is best if deli meats are used as an occasional treat rather than a regular staple of the diet.

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