You never know which ham to choose from the shelves of your supermarket? Good news: 60 Millions de consommateurs magazine has chosen the best for your health.
First choice or superior, nitrite-free or salt-free, in cloth or in broth… On the shelves, the offer of hams is plethoric. It is therefore difficult to choose the best among all these proposals. To see more clearly, 60 Million Consumers conducted the survey.
Hams to avoid
According to our fellow journalists, hams full of nitrites should be avoided, because these additives used in cold meats to guarantee their preservation are harmful to our health.
“They are directly incriminated, with a well-established level of proof, in stomach cancers and colorectal cancers, of which more than 4,000 new cases per year are directly attributed to cold meats, but also potentially in other types of cancers.“, says Emmanuel Ricard, spokesperson for the League Against Cancer and director of actions to combat 60 million consumers (Special issue 142 S November/December 2023).
Recent publications from early 2023, led by Inserm and INRAE, have also shown increased risks of diabetes and hypertension linked to nitrites in cold meats.
The National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS) also recommends limiting your consumption of cold meats to 150g per week. Which corresponds to approximately 3 slices of white ham or poultry ham.
Another major fault of white ham sold in supermarkets: its salt content.
“Two slices provide almost half of the recommended daily salt intake (5g for adults). Additionally, and this is counter-intuitive, hams also contain sugar.“, deplores 60 million consumers.
However, it is a recognized fact: overconsumption of salt can lead to serious health problems including kidney damage, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Fortunately, it is possible to reduce your salt consumption and make better choices on supermarket shelves. 60 Million Consumers highlights ham brands that stand out from others by their quality (less nitrites, salt and controversial preservatives).
NO to diets, YES to WW!
The preferred ham is the one… sold by “Fleury Michon”
At the top of the podium, we find:
- Fleury Michon, “The Superior Stewed” – 15.5/20
- Fleury Michon “I like ham” – 15.5/20
- Herta, “Le Bon Paris à l’étouffée”, superior quality – 15/20
You now know which ham to choose for your next lunch break!
Slide: The 10 cheeses richest in calcium
