Previously, processed red meat had been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes
According to a large study that followed more than 100,000 people for four decades, processed red meat may be a major risk factor for dementia.
In the past, processed red meat has been shown to increase the risk of cancer and heart disease type 2 diabetes. Now US researchers say they have discovered it may also be linked to dementia.
The study also found that replacing processed red meat with healthier foods such as nuts, beans or tofu can help reduce the risk of dementia.
The findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in the United States.
The number of people living with dementia worldwide is predicted to triple to 153 million by 2050, and the role that diet plays in the risk of cognitive decline is now increasingly being studied.
Research
In this latest study, experts followed the health of 130,000 nurses and other healthcare workers in the United States for 43 years, with participants reporting on their diets every 2 to 5 years. Among other things, participants were asked to report how often they ate processed red meat, such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, salami, and other deli meats.
They also reported whether they consumed nuts and legumes such as peanut butter, peanuts, walnuts, green beans, kidney beans, peas, soy milk, and tofu.
More than 11,000 cases of dementia were identified during the observation period.
How much does processed red meat increase the risk of dementia?
Eating two servings of processed red meat per week increases the risk of cognitive decline by 14% compared to those who eat about three servings per month.The researchers reported on this.
According to research, Replacing one serving of processed red meat a day with one serving of nuts, beans or tofu a day can reduce the risk of dementia by 23%.
The lead author of the study, an associate professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Dr. Yuhan Li said: “Research results are mixed on the link between cognitive decline and meat consumption in general, so we took a closer look at how this might play out. Eating different amounts of both processed and unprocessed meat affects cognitive risk and cognitive function.”
“By studying people over a long period of time, we found that eating processed red meat can be a significant risk factor for dementia.”
“Processed red meat has also been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. “It can affect the brain because it is high in harmful substances such as nitrites (preservatives) and sodium.”