Researchers have found a link between eating processed red meat and cognitive decline. But It's not just processed meat products that negatively impact our health. In general, processed foods increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers.
Why it matters
Overeating processed red meat elevates the risk of dementia by 15%.
By the numbers:
- Eating 0.25 servings of processed red meat daily increases
- The risk of developing dementia by 15% compared to those eating less than 0.10 servings daily.
- The probability of subjective cognitive decline by 14% (self-reported worsening of cognitive abilities, including memory and thinking, in people with cognitively normal results on objective tests).
- One serving of unprocessed red meat daily was associated with a 16% higher likelihood of subjective cognitive decline.
A big study
The researchers analyzed 6,856 dementia cases involving 87,424 participants. They presented the results at the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia.
Researchers analyzed 6,856 dementia cases drawn from the 87,424 participants. They presented the results at the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia. The scope of the research bolstered the finding's validity.
The scope of the study enhanced the findings' validity.
Enjoy! But moderately.
A closer look
- Processed red meat might harm brain health due to high nitrites (preservatives) and sodium levels, contributing to health issues linked to dementia, such as heart disease and diabetes.
- While previous research has shown mixed results, this long-term data suggests processed red meat could be a significant risk factor for dementia.
What to do
It's not all doom and gloom for meat lovers. Making simple dietary swaps could significantly improve brain health. For example, replacing one serving of processed red meat per day with nuts and legumes was associated with a
- 23% lower risk of dementia
- 1.37 fewer years of cognitive aging
- 20% lower odds of subjective cognitive decline
Nutrition and brain health are connected, but the relationship is complex. However, it's becoming more apparent that dietary choices can be crucial to the health of your brain.
We'll keep you posted on future developments.
