(NaturalHealth365)  For many people, starting the day with the smell of freshly cooked bacon is hard to resist.  The sizzle, crispy texture, and savory flavor have made processed meats like bacon, sausages, and ham staples in many households.  These foods often evoke comfort and nostalgia, deeply ingrained in culinary traditions worldwide.  From quick sandwiches to elaborate charcuterie boards, processed meats feature prominently in our diets.  Their convenience and taste have cemented their place in meals beyond just breakfast.

But as delicious as this food may taste, there’s a catch.

A new study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia details how the consumption of processed red meat laden with nitrates, chemical filled (toxic) fat, and sodium heightens the risk of dementia.  The question is: Is giving in to temptation – or sticking to a familiar eating habit – worth the potential long-term risk?

Processed meat is a threat to long-term mental and physical health, study suggests

Processed meats like bacon, sausage, jerky, and other tempting favorites have been shown to put human cognition at risk.  However, it’s important to note that the study makes a clear distinction between 100% grass fed meat and processed meat – it’s the processed version that’s linked to a higher risk of dementia.

The research analyzed data from over 130,000 individuals, with an extensive follow-up period spanning 43 years.  Participants’ food consumption was tracked through questionnaires completed every two to four years.  Cognitive performance was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status.  Over the course of the study, 11,173 cases of dementia were identified.

The data showed that eating two servings of processed red meat per week increases the risk of dementia by 14%.  To compare, the control group, which consumed less than three servings of processed meat per month, had a much lower risk.  This comes to roughly 1/10th of a serving per day for the control group.

The study results also revealed a daily serving of processed red meat was tied to an additional 1.6 years of brain aging.  Such cognitive decline included a reduction in executive function and language.

Each additional daily serving of processed red meat was linked to the equivalent of 1.69 extra years of verbal memory decline.  Simply put, as people ate more processed meat, their ability to understand and remember words and sentences worsened more quickly.

Protect your brain health by enjoying healthier alternatives

Swap out processed meats for organic, 100% grass-fed meat whenever possible.  You might also explore new protein sources like nuts, seeds, goat whey, spirulina or peas.

For convenience, try frozen organic tofu scrambles, or get creative with fresh tofu and your favorite seasonings.

Legumes are a fantastic plant-based protein choice.  Add them to salads or serve them as sides, and don’t forget to make some homemade hummus for a delicious, protein-packed spread.

If you prefer animal proteins, go for organic meats such as pasture raised poultry or wild fish.  Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are great choices because they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  And eggs?  They’re a versatile and nutrient-rich option for any meal as long as they are organic and cage-free / pasture raised.

Sources for this article include:

Aaic.alz.org
Everydayhealth.com