Introduction
It’s no secret that bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast foods around the world. But it turns out that bacon may be even worse for you than we thought. Recent studies have shown that bacon is linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. In this article, we’ll explore the health risks associated with bacon and provide some healthier alternatives. So if you’re a bacon lover, it’s time to rethink your breakfast choices.
Turns Out, Bacon Is Even Worse For You Than We Thought
It’s no secret that bacon isn’t the healthiest food out there, but new research has revealed that it’s even worse for you than we thought. A study published in the journal Nutrition found that eating bacon and other processed meats can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 51%.
The study looked at the diets of more than 4,000 people and found that those who ate the most processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and sausages, had a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate the least. The researchers also found that the risk was even higher for those who ate the most processed meats in combination with other unhealthy foods, such as sugary drinks and refined grains.
The findings are concerning, as type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It’s also important to note that processed meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, both of which can increase your risk of developing other chronic diseases.
If you’re a fan of bacon, there are still ways to enjoy it without putting your health at risk. Try to limit your intake of processed meats and opt for leaner cuts, such as turkey bacon. You can also try to reduce your overall intake of processed meats by swapping them out for healthier alternatives, such as grilled chicken or fish.
Eat This Not That
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to bacon, try swapping it out for leaner cuts of meat, such as turkey bacon. You can also opt for plant-based proteins, such as tofu or tempeh, which are both low in saturated fat and sodium. Finally, try to limit your intake of processed meats and opt for healthier alternatives, such as grilled chicken or fish.
While sizzling bacon in the morning is delicious, research over the years has truly cast this pork product in a poor light. This salty staple contains a ton of fat and salt, which some say can wreak havoc bacon on your health. But is it really that bad if you like to indulge in it regularly?
We caught up with a handful of experts to uncover the true nature of bacon, and as it turns out, this one-of-a-kind breakfast side presents more dangers than you could have imagined. If you love to start your day with a few strips of bacon, make sure to take these side effects to heart and avoid overindulging in this item that has the potential to cause some serious long-term damage.
Here’s what you need to know, and for even more eating tips, be sure to read up on our list of the 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.
“The main problem with bacon is how it is preserved,” says Sally Stevens, RDN. “Modern processing relies heavily on nitrites and nitrates and far less on sodium salts to pickle the bacon. Bacon contains nitrates and nitrites that have been shown in very high doses to be potential human carcinogens. There is some indication that nitrates in processed meats increase the risks of colon cancers, heart diseases, and diabetes.”
“A little bacon once in a while is unlikely to harm you,” Stevens continues. “However, if you are going to eat bacon try to make sure it is the better-quality bacon instead of that horrible cheap wet soggy limp and loaded with nitrates junk.”
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“A 2015 study found that eating processed meats like bacon led to a higher risk of early death,” says Jay Cowin, NNCP, RNT, RNC, CHN, CSNA at ASYSTEM. “The study showed that for every additional 50 grams of processed meat eaten each day, there was a 33% heightened risk of early death and an 8% increased risk of developing heart disease or diabetes.”
“The study didn’t show exactly how many strips of bacon would equal 50 grams—but it’s safe to say it’s around two strips if we’re estimating based on what we know about portion sizes,” says Cowin. “It’s not really possible to determine where all the saturated fat and sodium and protein and nitrates in bacon come from—so those factors may play into some people’s calculations as well.”
If you need to watch your weight, make sure to keep your bacon consumption to a minimum.
“Bacon is calorie-dense,” says Dr. Daniel Boyer of Farr Institute. “Calorie dense food is a major cause of overweight and obesity, according to the World Health Organization. When you eat more calories than your body needs, the excess calorie is normally stored in your body as fat leading to excess body weight.”
“Obesity and overweight are major risk factors of several health problems including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder diseases, and several causes of death,” he continues.
“Bacon contains saturated fats,” says Dr. Boyer. “Numerous health studies have linked saturated fats to several heart-related diseases, including LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol. Eating bacon daily for breakfast may lead to excess ‘bad’ cholesterol build up in your blood vessels, blocking them which puts you at a high risk of developing heart-related conditions, including coronary artery diseases, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.”
Dr. Boyer also points out that “heart-related disease has been reported to be the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
In addition to fat, this pork product packs in a ton of salt.
“Bacon is not the best food you can eat—in fact, it’s probably among the worst things for your body,” says Edibel Quintero, MD, medical advisor at HealthInsider. “To explain it better, if we take four slices of bacon we will have almost 900 milligrams of sodium in them which is more than 40% of the recommended daily value. Sodium is especially harmful to our health as it is connected with an increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke.”
Putting down the bacon can feel impossible, but if you need to limit your sodium intake, don’t give up. Try out 24 Ways Nutritionists Say You Can Cut Salt—Without Sacrificing Flavor and find the perfect balance between flavor and health.
“Consuming bacon and other processed meat can lead to low sperm count in males,” says Dr. Madathupalayam Madhankumar said.
This claim comes on the heels of another study published through The American Society For Reproductive Medicine, which found that the consumption of processed meat led to poorer sperm quality.
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