But it may not be the best option for everyone.
Therefore, it’s best to enjoy it in moderate amounts.
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How Is Bacon Made?
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Most bacon is made from pork belly, the flesh on the underside of a young pig.
Other additives like sugar, flavorings, and spices may be used to enhance the bacon’s flavor.
After curing and smoking, the bacon is chilled, sliced, and packaged.
The majority of this fat ismonounsaturated fat, particularly heart-healthy oleic acid.
Bacon is also relatively high incholesterol.
As aprocessed food, bacon also is high in sodium.
Eating too much sodium can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
This is equivalent to around one hotdog, two slices of ham, or four slices of bacon.
Is Eating Processed Meat as Bad as Tobacco Smoking?
Processed meat and tobacco are both classified as group 1 carcinogens.
However, it does not mean that they are equally likely to cause cancer.
Other Potentially Harmful Compounds
Most processed meats contain sodium nitrite for preservation, flavor, and color.
These compounds are naturally found in the human body and in vegetables, where they are harmless.
However, the amount of nitrosamines in bacon today is lower than it used to be.
Current regulations require the addition of antioxidants like vitamins C and E to help minimize the formation of nitrosamines.
What About Good Fats"?
People with certain health conditions are generally instructed to follow a high-sodium diet.
B vitamins help convert the foods you eat into energy and help formred blood cells.
Brain Health
Bacon is a richseleniumsource, vital for brain health.
Studies suggest that selenium increases antioxidant levels in the brain, protecting againstoxidative stressand inflammation.
Observational studies have linked low dietary selenium intake with reduced performance on some measures of cognition in older adults.
Is Turkey Bacon a Healthier Alternative to Pork Bacon?
These can still form harmful nitrosamines when cooked despite not being synthetic nitrates.
Bacon is also high in sodium, which can elevate blood pressure.
You don’t have to avoid bacon if you enjoy it.
The key is to consume it occasionally in small amounts as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
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