Study Links Red Meat to Brain Health Problems.
People who eat more red meat are more likely to develop memory and thinking problems as they age. A new study points to processed meats like bacon and hot dogs as the biggest risk.
The news comes from work in the American Academy of Neurology's medical paper. Head writer Dong Wanga says red meat contains fats that harm heart health and blood sugar control. These issues relate to brain health.
The team examined two types of meat: processed meats, which included bacon, hot dogs, and meat rolls, and plain red meat, which included beef, pig meat, and sheep meat.
The study watched 133,771 people for up to 43 years. These people were about 49 years old when it started. None had brain problems then. By the end, 11,173 showed signs of mind loss.
The research team divided people into groups based on their meat consumption. Those who ate the most processed meat had 13% more brain problems than those who ate the least. Plain red meat did not show clear harm.
A second test looked at 43,966 older people near age 78. These people said if they had trouble with memory. The big processed meat eaters had 14% more memory problems than small eaters. People who ate lots of plain red meat had 16% more trouble.
The team ran one more test with 17,458 women around age 74. This checked how fast their minds worked with numbers and words. Women who ate more processed meat showed faster brain aging.
But the study brought good news. People who picked nuts or fish instead of processed meat cut their brain risk by 19% to 28%. Those who picked chicken meat saw 16% less risk.
The group wants people to know they can make better food picks. Small changes in meals might help keep minds sharp longer. The National Institutes of Health backed this work.
People who eat more red meat are more likely to develop memory and thinking problems as they age. A new study points to processed meats like bacon and hot dogs as the biggest risk.
The news comes from work in the American Academy of Neurology's medical paper. Head writer Dong Wanga says red meat contains fats that harm heart health and blood sugar control. These issues relate to brain health.
The team examined two types of meat: processed meats, which included bacon, hot dogs, and meat rolls, and plain red meat, which included beef, pig meat, and sheep meat.
The study watched 133,771 people for up to 43 years. These people were about 49 years old when it started. None had brain problems then. By the end, 11,173 showed signs of mind loss.
The research team divided people into groups based on their meat consumption. Those who ate the most processed meat had 13% more brain problems than those who ate the least. Plain red meat did not show clear harm.
A second test looked at 43,966 older people near age 78. These people said if they had trouble with memory. The big processed meat eaters had 14% more memory problems than small eaters. People who ate lots of plain red meat had 16% more trouble.
The team ran one more test with 17,458 women around age 74. This checked how fast their minds worked with numbers and words. Women who ate more processed meat showed faster brain aging.
But the study brought good news. People who picked nuts or fish instead of processed meat cut their brain risk by 19% to 28%. Those who picked chicken meat saw 16% less risk.
The group wants people to know they can make better food picks. Small changes in meals might help keep minds sharp longer. The National Institutes of Health backed this work.
