Beware, red meat lovers! Research suggests it may increase the risk of dementia; offers safer proteins

Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by brain degeneration are common with age. To reduce the risk of this, people often look for what to use and what not to use, because prevention is always better than cure. Neurodegenerative diseases affect cognitive abilities such as thinking, memory, and decision-making, gradually impairing a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Sometimes patients with dementia cannot even recognize loved ones. Many turn to dietary changes in hopes of reducing the risk of cognitive decline and improving brain health.

A study published in Neurology found that red meat, especially processed meat, further increases the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

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Red meat worsens brain health

Already red meat is considered harmful to health, as it causes heart disease and diabetes. The findings of this study further magnify its shortcomings. Red meat, especially processed forms such as bacon, sausages and hot dogs, contributes to the risk of dementia. The study tracked 133,771 participants and found that those who ate red meat were more likely to develop dementia.

The study also found that people who ate even a small amount of processed red meat daily, such as two slices of bacon, one and a half slices of bologna or a hot dog, had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who ate very little processed meat. meat In those who ate red meat daily, the brain aged 1.6 years faster. Those who eat red meat have lower cognitive performance than those who don’t.

What to replace

There is no doubt that diet has a clear link to cognitive decline. Red meat is one of the red flags for brain health. The researchers suggested replacing red meat with better protein options, such as nuts, legumes or fish. This reduces the risk by about 20%.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.

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