Love your daily slice of bacon? Research says your brain is aging faster

Numerous studies have shown the negative impact of red meat consumption on health. However, a recent study led by Dr. Daniel Wang of Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that even moderate consumption of red meat can be harmful to your health and lead to long-term consequences. Read also | Beware, red meat lovers! Research suggests it may increase the risk of dementia; offers safer proteins

Research results:

The study followed 1,33,000 health professionals over 43 years to understand how even moderate daily consumption of red meat can affect brain health. It was observed that only a quarter or more of a serving of processed red meat per day had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed less.

In the past, red meat consumption has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But because of its high sodium, nitrite, and other potentially harmful compounds, red meat can also cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular problems. These conditions can further lead to cognitive decline. Read also | A study found a link between red meat and inflammation. Details inside

Red meat vs. nuts, legumes, and fish:

Interestingly, the study also found that there is a healthy antidote to cognitive decline. When red meat was replaced with nuts and legumes in the daily portion, the risk of dementia was reduced by 19% among the participants. Fish turned out to be more useful than nuts and legumes. Replacing red meat with a daily portion of fish was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia.

Corresponding author Dr. Daniel Wang, of the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said in a statement: “Dietary guidelines tend to focus on reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, while cognitive health is less often discussed despite its association with these diseases. Reducing the amount of red meat consumed and replacing it with other sources of protein and plant foods can be included in dietary recommendations to promote cognitive health.” Read also | A Harvard study claims that eating red meat twice a week may increase the risk of diabetes

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.