A new study published in the journal Circulation suggests individuals concerned about cardiovascular health opt for red meat over processed meats like bacon, deli meat and hot dogs.

According to ABC News, researchers analyzed results from more than 20 studies involving more than 1 million participants in 10 different countries. They found that eating as little as 2 ounces of processed meat per day increased the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and the risk of diabetes by 19 percent.

The study also found that eating unprocessed red meat products like steak and hamburgers did not carry the same health risks, even though they contain similar amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Researchers say the increased risks associated with processed meats are caused by higher salt contents as well as preservatives.

Some experts insist that processed meats do not have to be completely eliminated from the diet. Instead, consumers should eat them in moderation.

"The study doesn’t suggest that people should panic if they had a piece of processed meat for lunch or cut it out of their diet completely, but as people are making choices it may be better to move away a little bit from the processed meats," Yale University School of Medicine professor Harlan Krumholz told ABC News.