World of the Bizarre

Is bacon the secret to long life ?

By T.K. Randall
May 11, 2013 ·  39 comments

Image Credit: CC 2.0 Jeremy Noble The centenarian has raised seven children during her lifetime and recently celebrated her 105th birthday, but it isn't a healthy diet, exercise or medication that she attributes for her longevity. "I love bacon. I eat it everyday, " she says. "I don't feel as old as I am. That's all I can say."

Bacon is a food that has come under considerable scrutiny in recent years, both because of its popularity and because scientists can't seem to decide on whether it is beneficial or detrimental to eat it on a regular basis. In two recent studies, a portion of processed meat ( such as bacon ) every day has the potential to increase the risk of death by as much as 20%. A very small helping every day however of less than 20g was linked to a 3% risk reduction.[!gad]The centenarian has raised seven children during her lifetime and recently celebrated her 105th birthday, but it isn't a healthy diet, exercise or medication that she attributes for her longevity. "I love bacon. I eat it everyday, " she says. "I don't feel as old as I am. That's all I can say."

Bacon is a food that has come under considerable scrutiny in recent years, both because of its popularity and because scientists can't seem to decide on whether it is beneficial or detrimental to eat it on a regular basis. In two recent studies, a portion of processed meat ( such as bacon ) every day has the potential to increase the risk of death by as much as 20%. A very small helping every day however of less than 20g was linked to a 3% risk reduction.

Source: TIME | Comments (39)

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