A new study shows eating processed red meat such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and cold cuts is linked to increased risks of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and type 2 diabetes.

The study, conducted by Harvard University researchers, performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence for relationships of red (unprocessed), processed, and total meat consumption with incident CHD, stroke, and diabetes. The researchers found that eating one serving a day of processed meat was associated with a 42% increased risk for heart disease and a 19% increased risk for type 2 diabetes.  Eating unprocessed beef, pork, or lamb was not linked to a higher risk for CHD, stroke or diabetes.
The study was published online in Circulation.