A recent study has linked processed red meat to an increased risk of developing dementia. Latest Health News: Action 7 News' Health Beat KOAT and Dr. Avinash Akrekar, a health expert from the University of New Mexico, explain which foods are associated with increased dementia risk and why. “The study found that eating about an ounce of processed red meat per day, or about two servings per week, increased the risk of developing dementia by 14 percent,” said Dr. Akrekar. “This includes foods like bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats, which are high in sodium, nitrates and saturated fats.” Dr. Akrekar also said the study showed that replacing processed red meat with nuts and legumes could significantly reduce dementia risk. The results showed that risk dropped by 20 percent in those who switched to red meat. However, Akrekar said this doesn't mean people should avoid red meat altogether. “It's important to make healthy choices more often. Processed red meat has been linked to several health problems, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers,” Akrekar said. “Eating less and incorporating more plant-based foods can have huge benefits for your heart and brain health. An easy way to get started is to follow a vegetarian diet one day a week.” Get the latest health news with the KOAT app. Download it here.
A recent study found a link between processed red meat and an increased risk of developing dementia.
Latest Health News: Health Beat by Action 7 News
KOAT and University of New Mexico health expert Dr. Avinash Akrekar discusses foods linked to increased dementia risk and why.
“Studies have found that eating about one ounce of processed red meat per day, or about two servings per week, increases the risk of developing dementia by 14 percent,” Akrekar says. “This includes foods like bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats that are high in sodium, nitrates and saturated fat.”
Akrekar said the study also showed that replacing processed red meat with nuts and legumes could significantly reduce the risk of dementia, finding a 20% reduction in risk in people who made the switch.
However, Akrekar said this doesn't mean people should avoid red meat completely.
“The key is to make healthy choices more often. Processed red meat has been linked to several health problems, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers,” Akrekar says. “Reducing your red meat intake and increasing your intake of plant-based foods can make a big difference to your heart and brain health. Eating a vegetarian diet one day a week is an easy way to start.”
Stay up to date on the latest health news with the KOAT app, available for download here.
