Health chiefs spoke rasher-ly…as it’s revealed bacon IS safe to eat after all

BACON-loving Brits have been told by researchers it is safe to eat after all.

Health chiefs had warned that rashers could cause cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

Bacon-loving Brits will be relieved to hear it is safe to eat, as researchers proved that the link between bacon and illnesses such as diabetes was too weakCredit: Alamy

But a Canadian team said after a major review of previous studies: “The uncertain health benefits of cutting down are unlikely to be worth it.”

The study team concluded that cutting back on processed and red meat has little to no impact in relation to the illnesses.

They said evidence of a potential link is too weak to justify warnings and urged people to carry on eating rashers, bangers and steak.

Brits eat an average three or four portions a week, with Public Health England suggesting we “eat less”.

Researchers in Canada analysed hundreds of previous studies involving more than 12 million people.

‘CONTROVERSIAL’ FINDINGS

Dr Bradley Johnston, of Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, said: “We cannot say with any certainty that eating red or processed meat causes cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

“Any health benefits from staying away from meat are uncertain, and, if they exist at all, are very small.

“For the average person who enjoys eating meat, the uncertain health benefits of cutting down are unlikely to be worth it.

“We suggest individuals continue their current consumption of red meat and processed meat.”

His team’s findings prompted mixed reactions from experts.

Dr Aaron Carroll, of Indiana University, said: “This is sure to be controversial but it is based on the most comprehensive review of the evidence to date.”

Dr David Nunan, of the University of Oxford, said the findings were likely to be “trustworthy”.