How Many Calories Are in a Strip of Bacon? While you will never hear us turning down another slice of bacon, there are those who like to live in moderation. And those same people often like to know exactly how the things they are eating are contributing to their diets. In other words, we’re talking calories.
- We’re here to give you the full rundown on just how far you’ll have to run to work off all those tasty morsels you ate on Sunday.
- Or at least, we’ll give you the calorie count so you can decide whether you want to hit the gym or not.
- In general, an average 8 gram slice of bacon will run you somewhere between 38 and 45 calories,
Unsurprisingly, plain bacon will cost you a little less than seasoned and calorie count goes up when the Average Weight does (thicker bacon will have more calories), On average that would mean that your Sunday brunch with 4 slices of bacon will come in at around 164 calories.
- To put that into perspective, 4 slices would be like eating 2 bananas, or eating 1 Kind bar.
- Another way to think about this is in terms of the sweetness of the bacon.
- A sweeter bacon ( for example) means more sugar, which, of course, means more calories.
- So, the more savory your bacon is, the less calories it’s going to have.
So, like most things, if you ever find yourself looking to cut back in the meat department, consider a simple serving of one without sugar and you should be just fine. : How Many Calories Are in a Strip of Bacon?
Contents
- 1 How many calories are in 2 slices of cooked bacon?
- 2 How many calories are in 2 slices of bacon without fat?
- 3 How many calories are in 2 eggs and 2 slices of bacon?
- 4 How much bacon is 200 calories?
- 5 Can I eat 2 slices of bacon a day?
- 6 Is bacon a healthy fat?
- 7 How many calories is 2 eggs?
- 8 Is bacon a protein or fat?
- 9 How many eggs equal 500 calories?
- 10 What does a 500 calorie day look like?
- 11 How many calories are in a slice of cooked bacon?
- 12 How many calories is cooked bacon?
How many calories are in 2 slices of cooked bacon?
Kirkland Signature Fully Cooked Bacon (2 slices) contains 0g total carbs, 0g net carbs, 6g fat, 6g protein, and 90 calories.
Net Carbs 0 g Fiber 0 g Total Carbs 0 g Protein 6 g Fats 6 g
90 cals Quantity Serving Size
How many kCal in 2 slices of bacon?
How Many Calories in Bacon? – Because it’s a natural product, determining exact bacon calories and other nutritional info can vary depending on the size and thickness of the bacon slice, the bacon brand, the cooking method, and how much fat remains after cooking.
- 82 calories
- .2 grams of carbohydrates
- 6.2 grams of fat
- 2 grams of saturated fat
- 30 mg of cholesterol
- 6 grams of protein
*Note: We’ve never had bacon that was average. Cut matters, too. Center cut bacon, which is generally leaner, tends to be lower in fat and saturated fat than traditional cuts of bacon. For facts about specific brands, most bacon makers publish their bacon nutritional data on their websites (and of course the information is required on their packaging).
How many calories are in 2 slices of bacon without fat?
Calories in Bacon Rashers Grilled, Back, Fat Trimmed
Description | Serving Sizes | kCal |
---|---|---|
Calories in Bacon Rashers Grilled, Back, Fat Trimmed | 1 Rasher (25g) | 54 |
2 Rashers (50g) | 107 | |
100g | 214 |
How many calories are in 2 eggs and 2 slices of bacon?
There are 418 calories in 1 serving of 2 Fried Eggs & Bacon.
Is 2 slices of bacon OK?
Should We Be Eating Bacon At All? – You’d be hard-pressed to find a nutritionist in 2018 who will say that you should absolutely never eat a certain food, and that’s true for bacon as well. As a general rule, nutritionists will say that it’s completely fine to eat bacon, but you should think of it as a treat, not a staple.
- There are foods that I place into a ‘sometimes’ category,” explained nutritionist Nikki Ostrower,
- I believe that these foods should not be part of a regular day-to-day diet but consumed on an occasion.
- Bacon falls into this category, as it is extremely high in fat.” Want numbers? Let’s take a look at bacon’s nutrition facts,
Two slices of bacon contains 70 calories and 2 grams of saturated fat (that’s 10 percent of the daily recommended fat intake), 30 mg of cholesterol (10 percent of daily recommended cholesterol intake), and 360 mg of sodium (15 percent of daily recommended sodium intake).
How much bacon is 200 calories?
Meat – Listen up, bacon lovers, just 2 strips of bacon equals 200 calories, because of its high protein and fat content. But, for a lower calorie option, you can substitute in 5 strips of turkey bacon, since it is leaner than classic bacon. Sticking with turkey, it takes 7.2 oz.
Can I eat 2 slices of bacon a day?
When my Hungarian family gathers for our annual reunion, the highlight of the day is the szalonnasütés, the bacon roasting. We skewer thick slabs of salted fatty cuts of pork on green switches and roast them over hardwood coals until they drip the delicious fat, which we press into rye bread prepped with paprika, thinly sliced onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, and the crispy chunks of bacon.
- This eastern European delicacy is simply glorious.
- Your cardiologist would probably add “and deadly.” Fortunately, for our arteries’ sake, we indulge in this treat only once a year.
- Eating too much bacon is a habit that may come with some ugly side effects, science suggests (though grandpop, who ate szalonna regularly and lived a pretty active life to 93, would disagree).
Here are the potential downsides of getting bacon grease on your chin every day. Plus try one of our 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022, Shutterstock You can thank the sodium in bacon for both. Four thin slices of bacon, the typical number you get in a restaurant order of a bacon and eggs breakfast, contains 776 milligrams of sodium, about half of the “ideal” 1,500 milligrams daily limit recommended for most adults by the American Heart Association, Sign up for our newsletter! Shutterstock A staple of the ketogenic diet plan, bacon can help you lose weight on an ultra-low-carb diet because its protein and fats are highly satiating. And while bacon contains saturated fats, it also contains monounsaturated fat, including the oleic acid that makes olive oil so heart-healthy. Shutterstock Diets with highly processed meats are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, according to numerous studies. And you don’t get much more processed than cured bacon. One in Circulation by Harvard researchers showed that on average every 50 gram daily serving of processed meat (about 5 slices of bacon, 2 slices of deli meat, or 1 hot dog) was associated with a 42% high risk of developing heart disease and 19% higher risk of diabetes.
- Compared with red meats, processed meats studied contained an average of four times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives, according to lead study author Renata Micha, an epidemiologist at Harvard School of Public Health.
- This suggests that differences in salt and preservatives, rather than fats, might explain the higher risk of heart disease and diabetes seen in processed meats, but not with unprocessed red meats,” she told Harvard T.H.
Chan School News. Here are the 7 Dangerous Side Effects of Eating Deli Meats, According to Experts, Shutterstock Bacon and other processed cured meats typically contain nitrites and nitrates, preservative compounds that improve the quality of meats and extend their shelf life. When exposed to high heat, both nitrites and nitrates can form nitrosamines, a known carcinogen.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that a regular diet of processed meat can increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. Epidemiological studies estimated that eating two thick bacon slices daily increased risk of colorectal cancer by 18%, according to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics,
To limit preservatives, you can look for labels reading “Uncured Bacon, no Nitrates or Nitrites added” but remember that uncured bacon still contains a lot of saturated fat, which has been associated with heart disease and higher cancer mortality. With all the potential problems associated with processed meats, you might want to start limiting your meaty meals and learn How Meatless Mondays Can Save You Money and Help the Planet. Shutterstock Bipolar disorder, also referred to as mania, is a depressive illness that may be triggered in some cases by environmental exposures. In one study, researchers found that feeding rats meat laced with the food preservative nitrate caused the rodents to exhibit a hyperactive behavior reminiscent of human mania as well as changes in intestinal microbiota similar to those in people suffering bipolar disorder.
In addition, the study in Molecular Psychiatry compared the diets of patients diagnosed with clinical psychiatric disorders like mania with mentally healthy individuals and discovered that a history of regularly consuming cured, dried meat containing nitrates were associated with people suffering from mania.
The best thing to do for your body if you love bacon? Limit your bacon intake, and portion it out. You can easily control your portion sizes by whipping up one of these 33 Best Bacon Recipes Ever, Jeff Csatari Jeff Csatari, a contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, is responsible for editing Galvanized Media books and magazines and for advising journalism students through the Zinczenko New Media Center at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA.
Is bacon a healthy fat?
Health Benefits of Bacon – Here are a few of bacon’s positive effects you can reap while eating it. Healthy Fats + Saturated Fat Yes, bacon contains quite a bit of fat, but 50% of it is monounsaturated and mostly oleic acid, the same fatty acid that makes olive oil so good for your heart and health.
So, much of the fat in bacon is relatively healthy. And I’d argue that all of the fat in bacon may be healthy, including the saturated stuff. However, another significant portion of bacon’s fat is saturated, According to some health professionals, this is the big, bad wolf of the fat world, and they believe it increases risk factors for heart disease.
But no studies have consistently proved this link at all, and overall diet and lifestyle factors are much more significant risks for the development of heart disease. Plus, a regular serving of bacon is relatively small – if you’re watching your portion sizes, you won’t overdo your fat intake.
- High-Protein and Low-Carb Low-carb and Keto diets are the latest dietary craze that seems to be building some significant weight loss results.
- And bacon fits right into these diets, as a high-fat, high-protein food source with almost non-existent carbs, at less than 1g per serving.
- Potassium and B-Vitamins Bacon contains some essential micronutrients, including potassium, which supports bone health, heart health, muscle strength and prevents high blood pressure.
You can also find over 50% of the RDA of two essential minerals in bacon; selenium and phosphorus. These minerals are crucial antioxidants and bone strengtheners. This cured meat is also a fantastic source of a range of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B12, B5, and B6, supporting everything from cellular production to brain function and energy levels.
How many calories is 2 eggs?
How Many Calories in Two Eggs? – An average serving size of two eggs contains only 148 calories or 620 kilojoules – roughly the same as two apples.
How many calories are in 1 egg?
The calories in an egg will vary depending on the size and how it is prepared. However, on average a single medium-sized egg will contain around 66 calories, an average small egg will contain around 55 calories and an average large egg around 80 calories.
Is bacon fat high in calories?
Bacon Grease vs. Butter – Rendering bacon fat in a skillet Perhaps you’re wondering, “Is bacon grease better than butter?” Or, “Can I substitute bacon grease for butter?” The answer is, it depends. Nutritionally speaking, bacon fat is actually lower in saturated fat and higher in the good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than butter.
- According to the USDA, a tablespoon of unsalted butter has 102 calories, 12 grams of fat and 2 miligrams of sodium; salted butter has 90 miligrams of sodium.
- A tablespoon of bacon fat, on the other hand, has 115.7 calories, 12.8 grams of fat and 19.4 miligrams of sodium.
- So if you’re watching your sodium intake, bacon grease is actually the lower sodium alternative to salted butter,
Unsalted butter would be the lowest-sodium choice. We sometimes substitute bacon fat for half of the butter in a recipe, with excellent results.
Is bacon a protein or fat?
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.
- Bacon is high in fat content and considered a fatty food that should be eaten in moderation or it can lead to health problems and complications such as heart disease and obesity.
- It is also very high in sodium.
- A slice of cured bacon cooked in the microwave contains 1.9 grams of protein and 1.9 grams of fat, while roasted or fried bacon contains 2.96 grams of protein and 3.34 grams of fat.
The fat in bacon is both saturated and unsaturated and one slice contains about 0.6 grams of saturated fat when cooked in the microwave, and 1.1 grams when pan-fried. A slice of bacon pan-fried contains 43 calories, 185 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium.
- A slice of bacon cooked in the microwave contains 25 calories, 104 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium.
- There are many kinds of bacon, and some are healthier than others.100 grams of boiled collar joint, for example, which some bacon are made of contains niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and iron.100 grams of grilled gammon rasher (bacon made from the top of the hind legs) is rich in vitamin B1, niacin, iron, and Vitamin B2.100 grams of fried, streaky bacon contains a significant amount of niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Bacon in general is high in micronutrients. One slice of bacon contains 5 micrograms of selenium, 0.9 micrograms of niacin, 43.5 micrograms of phosphorous. Other nutrients present in bacon is small amounts include iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, choline, folate, vitamin A and vitamin B12.
How many eggs equal 500 calories?
Eggs – It takes over half a dozen eggs to get to 500 calories. Cut it down to 2 eggs, and add small amounts of bacon & cheese for a well-rounded 500 calorie breakfast.
Can I eat bacon and lose weight?
Moderation is Key for a Healthy Life – As mentioned above, losing weight does not have to involve restrictive calorie counting. However, because weight loss and maintenance are long-term goals, you should ensure that your nutritional intake is optimal.
- If you are on the first, more restrictive phase of Atkins, for instance, ask your doctor if supplementation with fruit- and veggie-based supplements are suitable for you.
- Studies have shown that this type of supplement can actually improve key areas of health like immunity, heart health, and even oral health, so if you are not consuming these foods, try to source important vitamins and minerals elsewhere.
Bacon is a favorite food in America and the rest of the world as well. If you are trying to lose weight and opting for a yummy breakfast, enjoying grilled bacon and eggs around twice a week sounds like great motivation. Even if you are going low-calorie, portion control and moderate consumption of bacon will keep you on your track.
Can I eat bacon once a day?
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. Read more at CNN News
Is it OK to eat bacon every morning?
While sizzling bacon in the morning is delicious, research over the years has truly cast this pork product in a poor light. This salty staple contains a ton of fat and salt, which some say can wreak havoc bacon on your health. But is it really that bad if you like to indulge in it regularly? We caught up with a handful of experts to uncover the true nature of bacon, and as it turns out, this one-of-a-kind breakfast side presents more dangers than you could have imagined. Shutterstock “The main problem with bacon is how it is preserved,” says Sally Stevens, RDN, “Modern processing relies heavily on nitrites and nitrates and far less on sodium salts to pickle the bacon. Bacon contains nitrates and nitrites that have been shown in very high doses to be potential human carcinogens. Shutterstock “A 2015 study found that eating processed meats like bacon led to a higher risk of early death,” says Jay Cowin, NNCP, RNT, RNC, CHN, CSNA at ASYSTEM, “The study showed that for every additional 50 grams of processed meat eaten each day, there was a 33% heightened risk of early death and an 8% increased risk of developing heart disease or diabetes.” “The study didn’t show exactly how many strips of bacon would equal 50 grams—but it’s safe to say it’s around two strips if we’re estimating based on what we know about portion sizes,” says Cowin. Shutterstock If you need to watch your weight, make sure to keep your bacon consumption to a minimum. “Bacon is calorie-dense,” says Dr. Daniel Boyer of Farr Institute, “Calorie dense food is a major cause of overweight and obesity, according to the World Health Organization. Shutterstock “Bacon contains saturated fats,” says Dr. Boyer. “Numerous health studies have linked saturated fats to several heart-related diseases, including LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, Eating bacon daily for breakfast may lead to excess ‘bad’ cholesterol build up in your blood vessels, blocking them which puts you at a high risk of developing heart-related conditions, including coronary artery diseases, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.” Dr. Shutterstock In addition to fat, this pork product packs in a ton of salt. “Bacon is not the best food you can eat—in fact, it’s probably among the worst things for your body,” says Edibel Quintero, MD, medical advisor at HealthInsider, “To explain it better, if we take four slices of bacon we will have almost 900 milligrams of sodium in them which is more than 40% of the recommended daily value. Shutterstock “Consuming bacon and other processed meat can lead to low sperm count in males,” says Dr. Madathupalayam Madhankumar said. This claim comes on the heels of another study published through The American Society For Reproductive Medicine, which found that the consumption of processed meat led to poorer sperm quality. For even more eating tips, read these next:
Eating Habits for Weight Loss That Experts Say Actually Work The Absolute Worst Foods You Can Eat, Says New Report The Best Eating Habits to Fight Inflammation, Say Dietitians
What does a 500 calorie day look like?
Frequently Asked Questions – How many pounds will I lose if I eat 500 calories a day? Following a VLCD (500 calories per day) can help you reduce 15-20 pounds in a month. How much weight can you lose per week on the 5:2 diet? The 5:2 diet plan can help you lose 5-7 pounds in a week, depending on your body type.
- What recipes can I include in a 500-calorie diet? Foods that are loaded with low-calorie vegetables and fruits can be included in a 500-calorie diet.
- You can make vegetable soup, vegetable salad, fruit salad with low-fat yogurt, or a portion of grilled chicken or fish with grilled veggies for lunch or dinner to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Can I follow a 500-calorie diet for 3-4 weeks? Following a very low-calorie diet (500 calories) for more than a week makes your body weak and lowers your immunity and productivity. Hence, it is important to consult your doctor and dietitian before following a VLCD for a long time.
What types of snacks can I eat on a 500 calorie diet? Eat healthy and low calorie snacks like fruit bowls, trail mixes with dry fruits, nuts and seeds, cut veggies with hummus, and hard-boiled eggs. Is it necessary to exercise while on a 500 calorie diet? It is not necessary to exercise while on this diet.
If you try to exercise you could feel exhausted because of your low calorie intake. Exercise after three to four hours of eating a full meal and consume a low-fat, moderate-protein snack 30 minutes before working out for an energy boost.
Is 2000 calories a lot?
Some individuals require a 2,000 calorie diet to maintain a moderate weight, while others may need to reduce or increase their calorie intake to 2,000 calories a day to lose or gain weight. Although calorie needs vary from person to person, following a 2,000 calorie diet can provide a basis for planning healthful meals.
- A balanced 2,000 calorie diet includes all the food groups that someone needs to stay healthy.
- These diets aim to limit foods that put people at risk of chronic conditions and unhealthful weight gain.
- This article discusses how many calories people need and provides a way for them to calculate it.
- It also looks at foods to eat and avoid when following a 2,000 calorie diet and the importance of nutrient density.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) use 2,000 calories per day as a standard for nutrition advice on food labels. However, the number of calories that someone needs may be higher or lower than 2,000 per day. Indeed, the number of calories a person needs will vary depending on their:
agesexheight and weightphysical activity levels
For example, according to United States Dietary Guidelines, adult females aged 19–50 years who are moderately active need around 2,000–2,200 calories per day. Meanwhile, moderately active adult males aged 19–50 years require around 2,400–2,800 calories per day.
A person can work out how many calories they need by using the MyPlate Plan tool. Learn more about the number of calories a person needs here. If a person consumes too many calories, they can gain weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of adult obesity in the U.S.
was 42.4% in 2017–2018. The CDC also note that obesity-related conditions result in some of the greatest medical costs. People can lose excess weight by eating around 500–1,000 calories fewer per day and aiming for a weight loss of around 1–2 pounds per week.
Nutrient density, or nutrient profiling, is a term that defines how many nutrients are in foods. Nutrition experts usually express the nutrient content of foods per 100 calories, per 100 grams (g), or per serving. Nutrient dense foods contain more nutrients than calories and are low in fat, sugar, and salt,
The beneficial nutrients that these foods contain include:
protein fiber vitamins minerals
When following a healthful diet, people should consider the nutrient density of foods as well as their calorie content. For example, a sweet muffin has a similar number of calories to a chicken stir fry but fewer beneficial nutrients. The latter is also more likely to help a person feel fuller for longer.
Vegetables: Vegetables to eat include dark green leafy vegetables, starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash, and a variety of different colored vegetables, such as red peppers, eggplant, carrots, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. Fruits: People should try to focus on consuming whole fruits rather than juice. These fruits can include berries, apples, pears, and citrus fruits. Protein foods: Protein foods to eat include lean meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and seeds, lentils and legumes, and soy protein or seitan, Whole grains: People should try to consume whole grains rather than refined grains. They can include whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and buckwheat. Dairy foods: People should choose low fat versions of milk, yogurt, and cheese. Plant milk: If a person is vegan, they can opt for plant milks such as soy, almond, or oat milk. They can also choose low sugar or sugar-free brands. Healthful fats and oils: Some examples of healthful fats to consume include avocados, olives, olive oil, and oily fish.
People should try to avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and salt. The calories in unhealthful foods can quickly add up to 2,000 without giving the person the essential nutrients their body needs. The list below recommends some foods to avoid and limit based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 :
Foods with added sugars: People should try to consume less than 10% of their calories per day from added sugars. Foods such as cakes and sweets, processed foods, takeout food, and sugary drinks contain added sugars. Foods high in saturated fat: Most guidelines advise people to limit their saturated fat intake to less than 10% of their daily calories. Foods such as fatty meat, processed meat, and red meat contain saturated fats. People should also try to limit dairy foods that are high in saturated fat, such as butter and full fat milk. Food containing trans fats: Processed foods such as frozen pizzas and takeout food can contain trans fats, which people should try to avoid. Salt: People should aim to consume under 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Processed foods, cured and deli meats and pickles, and sauces can contain high amounts of salt. Alcohol: Most guidelines advise up to one drink per day for adult females and up to two drinks per day for adult males. Alcoholic beverages such as red wine can be part of the Mediterranean diet, but people should be aware of how many calories their drinks contain, as they can quickly add up.
If a person is unsure of how much they need to eat to reach 2,000 calories, the following is an example of a 2,000 calorie day:
How many calories are in a slice of cooked bacon?
How Many Calories Are in a Strip of Bacon? While you will never hear us turning down another slice of bacon, there are those who like to live in moderation. And those same people often like to know exactly how the things they are eating are contributing to their diets. In other words, we’re talking calories.
- We’re here to give you the full rundown on just how far you’ll have to run to work off all those tasty morsels you ate on Sunday.
- Or at least, we’ll give you the calorie count so you can decide whether you want to hit the gym or not.
- In general, an average 8 gram slice of bacon will run you somewhere between 38 and 45 calories,
Unsurprisingly, plain bacon will cost you a little less than seasoned and calorie count goes up when the Average Weight does (thicker bacon will have more calories), On average that would mean that your Sunday brunch with 4 slices of bacon will come in at around 164 calories.
To put that into perspective, 4 slices would be like eating 2 bananas, or eating 1 Kind bar. Another way to think about this is in terms of the sweetness of the bacon. A sweeter bacon ( for example) means more sugar, which, of course, means more calories. So, the more savory your bacon is, the less calories it’s going to have.
So, like most things, if you ever find yourself looking to cut back in the meat department, consider a simple serving of one without sugar and you should be just fine. : How Many Calories Are in a Strip of Bacon?
How many calories is cooked bacon?
Other common serving sizes
Serving Size | Calories |
---|---|
1 medium slice (yield after cooking) | 43 |
1 oz raw (yield after cooking) | 43 |
1 thick slice (yield after cooking) | 65 |
1 oz cooked | 151 |
Can I eat 2 slices of bacon a day?
When my Hungarian family gathers for our annual reunion, the highlight of the day is the szalonnasütés, the bacon roasting. We skewer thick slabs of salted fatty cuts of pork on green switches and roast them over hardwood coals until they drip the delicious fat, which we press into rye bread prepped with paprika, thinly sliced onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, and the crispy chunks of bacon.
- This eastern European delicacy is simply glorious.
- Your cardiologist would probably add “and deadly.” Fortunately, for our arteries’ sake, we indulge in this treat only once a year.
- Eating too much bacon is a habit that may come with some ugly side effects, science suggests (though grandpop, who ate szalonna regularly and lived a pretty active life to 93, would disagree).
Here are the potential downsides of getting bacon grease on your chin every day. Plus try one of our 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022, Shutterstock You can thank the sodium in bacon for both. Four thin slices of bacon, the typical number you get in a restaurant order of a bacon and eggs breakfast, contains 776 milligrams of sodium, about half of the “ideal” 1,500 milligrams daily limit recommended for most adults by the American Heart Association, Sign up for our newsletter! Shutterstock A staple of the ketogenic diet plan, bacon can help you lose weight on an ultra-low-carb diet because its protein and fats are highly satiating. And while bacon contains saturated fats, it also contains monounsaturated fat, including the oleic acid that makes olive oil so heart-healthy. Shutterstock Diets with highly processed meats are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, according to numerous studies. And you don’t get much more processed than cured bacon. One in Circulation by Harvard researchers showed that on average every 50 gram daily serving of processed meat (about 5 slices of bacon, 2 slices of deli meat, or 1 hot dog) was associated with a 42% high risk of developing heart disease and 19% higher risk of diabetes.
- Compared with red meats, processed meats studied contained an average of four times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives, according to lead study author Renata Micha, an epidemiologist at Harvard School of Public Health.
- This suggests that differences in salt and preservatives, rather than fats, might explain the higher risk of heart disease and diabetes seen in processed meats, but not with unprocessed red meats,” she told Harvard T.H.
Chan School News. Here are the 7 Dangerous Side Effects of Eating Deli Meats, According to Experts, Shutterstock Bacon and other processed cured meats typically contain nitrites and nitrates, preservative compounds that improve the quality of meats and extend their shelf life. When exposed to high heat, both nitrites and nitrates can form nitrosamines, a known carcinogen.
- In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that a regular diet of processed meat can increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer.
- Epidemiological studies estimated that eating two thick bacon slices daily increased risk of colorectal cancer by 18%, according to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics,
To limit preservatives, you can look for labels reading “Uncured Bacon, no Nitrates or Nitrites added” but remember that uncured bacon still contains a lot of saturated fat, which has been associated with heart disease and higher cancer mortality. With all the potential problems associated with processed meats, you might want to start limiting your meaty meals and learn How Meatless Mondays Can Save You Money and Help the Planet. Shutterstock Bipolar disorder, also referred to as mania, is a depressive illness that may be triggered in some cases by environmental exposures. In one study, researchers found that feeding rats meat laced with the food preservative nitrate caused the rodents to exhibit a hyperactive behavior reminiscent of human mania as well as changes in intestinal microbiota similar to those in people suffering bipolar disorder.
In addition, the study in Molecular Psychiatry compared the diets of patients diagnosed with clinical psychiatric disorders like mania with mentally healthy individuals and discovered that a history of regularly consuming cured, dried meat containing nitrates were associated with people suffering from mania.
The best thing to do for your body if you love bacon? Limit your bacon intake, and portion it out. You can easily control your portion sizes by whipping up one of these 33 Best Bacon Recipes Ever, Jeff Csatari Jeff Csatari, a contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, is responsible for editing Galvanized Media books and magazines and for advising journalism students through the Zinczenko New Media Center at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA.
How many calories are in 100g of cooked bacon?
Common serving sizes
Serving Size | Calories |
---|---|
1 serving (16 g) | 87 |
1 oz, cooked | 151 |
1 cup of pieces | 433 |
100 g | 541 |