A new study led by Renata Micha of the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that more than a serving per week of processed meat consumption could raise your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Processed meat consumption in the study was confined to cured, smoked or chemically preserved meats. Bacon, hot dogs, salami, sausages and deli meats seem to be the worst offenders.
The American Meat Institute Foundation response to the study indicated that conclusions from the study were at odds with other research, and that processed meat consumption is a healthy choice.
"The researchers found that each daily serving of processed meat was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 19 percent higher risk of developing diabetes."
A study of ground beef patties indicated that ground beef patties prepared with spices that contain antioxidants may produce fewer carcinogenic compounds. The spice that showed the best results for this was rosemary.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/05/meat_safety.html