Canned and processed foods are often chemically modified to have a longer shelf life. Those who love a little salami, a ham sandwich, a hot dog, and smoked bologna might be in trouble. In excess, these processed foods can be extremely harmful to health.
This happens because these foods contain more saturated fat than their natural counterparts, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The main ingredient that helps these foods last longer is sodium, which causes high blood pressure and fluid retention. A study by the Brazilian Association of Food Industries (Abia) showed that 24% of salt intake in the Brazilian diet comes from processed foods, mainly processed meats.
Moreover, these foods are loaded with preservatives, which are highly harmful and carcinogenic. Additionally, the amount of 
additives contained in these foods can overload the liver, which cannot eliminate them as it should.
And when we talk about meats, we are including all of them, including white meats like turkey or chester. They are healthier, yes, but their preservation methods are the same as those for ham. There is no problem consuming these foods if you limit it to a maximum of twice a week. We all know that it’s more practical to come home and make a sandwich with turkey breast than to cook fresh food, but this cannot become a routine.
The tip is to opt for healthy foods instead of processed meats. You can swap your bologna and cheese snack for cottage cheese and shredded chicken or boiled eggs, for example. Another tip is to always add vegetables alongside the processed meats you consume. This way, the fibers will capture fat molecules during digestion and reduce the harm to the body. Plus, they will make your meal much healthier and help you eat less of what is harmful.
Source: www.maisequilibrio.com.br, by Helena Dias