Bacon is probably one of the most popular breakfast foods. These thin strips of crispy pork just seem to go great with anything when you’re ready to start your day. In addition to being tasty, consuming this processed meat item has both health benefits and drawbacks.
Read on to learn what bacon does for your body.
Helps You Stay Full Longer with Protein
If you live a relatively active lifestyle, you’ll need extra protein to give you a daily boost. One strip of bacon has about four grams of protein, which can help you build muscle mass and increase energy levels. Likewise, protein lets you stay full longer, eliminating the need to munch on snacks between meals.
Gives You Healthy and Unhealthy Fats
Each serving of bacon has about 40% saturated fats. For this reason, you’ll want to consume bacon (and other foods high in saturated fats) in moderation, as too much can lead to higher cholesterol, excessive weight gain, and even higher blood pressure. On the other hand, bacon also has polyunsaturated fats, which are good for lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Gives You Valuable Vitamins and Minerals
Many people associate vitamins and minerals only with fruits and vegetables. But red meat, more specifically bacon, has its fair share of B6, B12, selenium, iron, and zinc. The body needs all these beneficial nutrients to maintain everything from a healthy immune system to cognition.
Bacon and Your Diet
Overall, consuming bacon doesn’t have to be detrimental to your health, depending on how much of it you eat. However, it can be unhealthy for people with existing high blood pressure and cholesterol. At the same time, it can be a good protein boost and a source of vitamins and minerals. Typically, a single slice has 110 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat. Because of that, it’s best to eat bacon in moderation.
