Bacon has developed a bit of a bad reputation over the years Many people believe that eating bacon can take time off your life expectancy But where did this idea come from and is it really true? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence behind the claim that bacon takes 9 minutes off your life,
The Origins of the Claim
The notion that eating bacon subtracts 9 minutes from your lifespan can be traced back to a 2012 press release from the University of Zurich. Researchers conducted a study looking at the effects of consuming processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats. They found an association between eating these meats and increased mortality rates.
For each 50-gram serving of processed meat eaten daily, the risk of early death went up by 18%. The researchers then calculated that eating one strip of bacon could subtract 9 minutes from the overall life expectancy of a 40-year-old. So where did this specific 9 minute number come from? It was based on average life expectancies and statistical modeling. It made for an attention-grabbing headline.
Since then, this dramatic statistic has taken on a life of its own. Health websites and news outlets continue to cite this specific time frame of 9 minutes. But it’s important to understand that this number was just a statistical estimate. It does not necessarily mean that each strip of bacon you eat takes exactly 9 minutes away from the clock.
Evaluating the Link Between Processed Meat and Health
The study that produced this 9 minute estimate did point to some legitimate health concerns around frequent processed meat consumption. Eating large amounts of processed meats over long periods has been linked to:
- Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Higher rates of certain cancers like colon cancer
- Greater inflammation and oxidative stress
The researchers attributed these risks to compounds like saturated fats, preservatives, and salt found in processed meats.
However, it’s unclear if eating bacon occasionally in reasonable portions has the same effect. There are also many other lifestyle factors that play a far greater role in determining lifespan. The 9 minutes claim singled out one food item, which may have exaggerated its true impact.
Later studies have tried to clarify the actual risks of eating things like bacon, ham, and hot dogs. Here’s some of what they’ve found:
- The increased mortality rates are most significant for heavy and regular processed meat eaters. The occasional strip of bacon has a much smaller effect.
- Eating unprocessed red meats like steak does not seem to have the same risks as processed meats.
- Replacing processed meats with other protein sources is associated with living a longer life.
So the relationship is complicated. Processed meats may negatively impact lifespan, but the true danger depends on your overall diet and lifestyle habits.
Moderation Is Key When It Comes to Bacon
Based on the current evidence, regularly eating large amounts of processed meats like bacon does seem to carry some health risks. However, the 9 minutes claim specifically pinned to bacon may be exaggerated. Having the occasional strip of bacon with breakfast is unlikely to dramatically impact your lifespan.
Here are some tips for enjoying bacon in moderation as part of a balanced diet:
- Treat bacon as more of a side rather than a main meal. Use it to add flavor, crunch, and texture.
- Look for nitrate-free bacon options when possible.
- Eat bacon along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and lean meats.
- Limit portion sizes to 1–2 strips of bacon at a time.
- Avoid making bacon a daily habit. Save it for a once-in-awhile weekend treat.
Bacon can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. With some mindful portion control and pairing bacon with more antioxidant-rich foods, there’s no need to fear those crispy strips. Taking a balanced and realistic view allows us to enjoy foods like bacon responsibly without demonizing or exaggerating potential health risks.
The idea of bacon subtracting minutes from your lifespan makes for an attention-grabbing headline. But in reality, longevity and health depend on your comprehensive diet and lifestyle choices. An occasional strip of flavorful bacon here and there is unlikely to negatively impact an otherwise healthy person. So feel comfortable treating yourself to this delicious meat, just in moderation!
The University of Michigan study also warns that eating other popular foods, including bacon and pizza, may also shorten your life. But healthy foods may prolong it. Here’s how they stack up.
A new study from the University of Michigan says that eating one hot dog may cut 36 minutes off your life. This is bad news for BBQ fans and people who like to compete in eating contests.
That would mean Miki Sudo has lost 10,080 minutes, or seven days, of her life just by competing in and winning seven Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contests.
Sudo told Inside Edition, “I will take the study with a grain of salt. How that grain of salt affects my health span is still unknown.”
The study warns that eating other popular foods may also shorten your life.
Here’s how they stack up, according to the study:
- Bacon: 6 minutes, 30 seconds
- Pizza: 7 minutes, 8 seconds
- Double cheeseburger: 8 minutes, 8 seconds
The study also lists foods that add to your lifespan, including:
- Avocados: 2 minutes, 8 seconds
- Bananas: 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Nutritionist Joy Bauer is author of “Superfood!: 150 Recipes for Eternal Youth.”
“You definitely want to be eating bananas. They are packed with potassium, which can help to manage your blood pressure,” Bauer said.
Salmon supposedly adds 13 minutes and 5 seconds to your life. And surprisingly, the study says a peanut butter and jelly sandwich actually adds 33 minutes and 6 seconds.
“When it comes to the PB&J sandwich, its the nut butter that prevails. Its got heart healthy fat, protein, fiber and its totally delicious,” Bauer said.
The study is just a guide, but Bauer says it’s a useful guide to a healthier lifestyle.
“That’s a strong message: if you choose healthy foods, you can live longer and stronger,” Bauer said.
Eggs Bacon Grits SAUSAGE
How often should you eat bacon?
For those reasons, Smith suggests that bacon be enjoyed in moderation, like other high-fat or high-sodium foods. “Eating a few slices of bacon a few times a month with a balanced diet shouldn’t be a problem,” she says. But few bacon enthusiasts show that kind of restraint when faced with an abundance of their favorite cured meat.
Can you eat 4 slices of Bacon a day?
Four slices of bacon take most people about halfway to the recommended limit of saturated fat and one-third of the way to the daily limit for sodium for a day. For those reasons, Smith suggests that bacon be enjoyed in moderation, like other high-fat or high-sodium foods.
Is Bacon bad for You?
The main concern about bacon is its high levels of saturated fat and sodium, says Kristen Smith, RD, also a spokesperson for the AND. A diet high in saturated fat and sodium is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Can you eat bacon on a daily diet?
A daily diet that includes bacon makes it tough to stay within the recommended limits for saturated fat and sodium. Four slices of bacon take most people about halfway to the recommended limit of saturated fat and one-third of the way to the daily limit for sodium for a day.
Is Bacon a health food?
As a processed meat, bacon is not what most experts would consider a health food. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared bacon and other processed meats class one carcinogens, a category of substances known to cause cancer that also includes cigarettes and asbestos.
Are You Afraid of bacon?
Armed with the facts, you don’t need to be afraid of bacon. If you love it, rest assured that even dietitians say you can eat it in moderation. “You just have to consider when and where a serving of bacon can fit into your daily allowance of sodium, saturated fat, fat, and calories,” says Derocha.