Bacon's Blood-Balancing Bounty: Several university and medical center studies have shown that including bacon as a regular, moderate part of one's diet naturally works to lower the body's blood pressure and blood sugar levels, helping to prevent and/or alleviate the effects of diabetes, as well as heart disease, stroke ...
How much bacon can you have without it causing major health dilemmas? "I wouldn't suggest that people eat bacon every day. Some people are more salt sensitive than others because salt can affect your blood pressure, but I would say that bacon once a week would not be an issue."
Science Backs Bacon
In order to reduce abdominal fat, high triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance (all of which are linked to weight gain), a higher fat breakfast comprising bacon may be the way to go.
While bacon is flavorful and a breakfast favorite among many, it shouldn't be something you eat regularly. High in saturated fat, just 3–4 slices of bacon represents about a fifth of your daily limit for saturated fat.
Does Bacon Have Health Benefits? Protein is an essential macronutrient and has a number of health benefits like regulating satiety and hunger, supporting normal blood sugar levels, and boosting metabolism. As a type of processed red meat, bacon is a good source of protein.
Eating just one slice of bacon a day linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer, says study | CNN. Eating even a moderate amount of red or processed meat is linked with an increased risk of colorectal, or bowel, cancer, according to a new study published Wednesday.
For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease risk and should be eaten sparingly. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health.
Eggs are not only high in protein, they also contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. So, bacon and eggs really can be a healthy breakfast option, if eaten in moderation. More often than not, try to skip the bacon.
One of the biggest risks of bacon is associated with two preservatives, nitrates and nitrites, that can form cancer-causing compounds. In addition to increasing your risk of colon and stomach cancer, eating processed meat increases your risk of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and dying from all types of cancer.
Vitamins and Minerals
Bacon also provides a good amount of B vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. You will also get 17 micrograms of selenium, about one-third of your daily recommended intake. 5 Bacon is also high in phosphorous, providing 134 micrograms per serving.
The fact is that bacon is not only loaded with saturated fat, but also contains high amounts of sodium, both of which are linked to increased risk for heart disease. The same is true for frankfurters and deli meats such as salami, ham, and pastrami.
For instance, lean deli meat may be healthier than a fatty unprocessed hamburger or steak. However, in general, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, pastrami, and many other processed meats are fattier, saltier, higher in calories, and contain more additives than unprocessed red meats such as beef, pork, and lamb.
Healthiest Way to Cook Bacon
The healthiest way to make bacon is to pan-fry it until crispy so that most of the fat melts off it. Be careful not to burn the bacon, increasing your carcinogen consumption. The best way to reduce the fat and calories in a bacon slice is to drain it well.
Overall, bacon is lower in calories and saturated fat and by trimming visible fat you can lower this again, so from a nutritional stand bacon wins. However, as discussed all processed meats should be eaten in moderation due to their links to cancer.
Bacon is a good source of protein and contains nine of the essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein. Low in carbohydrates, a slice of bacon has three grams of protein and zero carbohydrates. It is a low-carb and low-glycemic food making it ideal for incorporating in low-carb diets.
While baked bacon is arguably healthier than fried bacon, it is still bacon. Enjoy it in moderation as one tasty component of a balanced diet. Whenever we have bacon, I like to serve it with other lean proteins, fruits, whole grains, or vegetables to make a complete meal.
The healthiest way to cook bacon is to cook it until crispy (but not burned), which allows the most fat to melt off. Then, drain it on a paper towel or brown paper bag to remove even more fat before eating.
Health benefits
However, cooking bacon in the microwave does have some benefits. It has less calories and fat compared to frying it in oil in a pan. You can also use this method to cook turkey bacon. The cooking time will be less, as it is leaner.
They're Both High in Protein
Your humble sausage contains 11g of muscle-building protein and a slice of bacon packs 10g, which is ideal for adding inches to your biceps. You need 1.6g of protein per kilo of bodyweight everyday to bulk up, according to nutritionist Scott Baptie.
Bacon is a natural mood enhancer that helps encourage positive mental state. According to experts, umami in bacon is an addictive substance that causes improved mood, satisfaction and lowers stress levels. The protein in bacon further impacts neurologically by reliving stress and making people happier.