Amazing Benefits of Bacon for Seniors
As you grow older and reach retirement age, it is only natural that you want to – finally – focus on the things that make you happy. If you love bacon as much as the average American does, chances are good that a few strips of mouth-watering bacon can definitely elevate your mood. Bacon can form part of a healthy diet that will keep illness and injury at bay as you age, despite not always having the best reputation as far as health benefits are concerned. In fact, bacon not only contains many beneficial nutrients, but can also fit into a retirement budget while undoubtedly bringing a lot of joy into your life.
Bacon contains valuable nutrients
Quality meat, including bacon, tends to contain a healthy amount of nutrients that can be of great benefit to an aging individual. A typical 3.5-ounce portion of quality cooked bacon contains approximately 37 grams of animal protein and healthy amounts of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, & B12, which are vital for cognitive functioning as well as the overall health and well-being of a senior. Bacon also contains impressive amounts of iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium, as well as a form of phosphatidylcholine, which sports antioxidant properties more potent than those of Vitamin E. Where possible, seek out quality bacon that contains no added water and has reduced sodium and nitrate levels to ensure you get the most authentic and beneficial bacon possible. The fewer ingredients bacon contains, and the less it is processed, the more natural nutrients you can expect to obtain from it.
Bacon can be budget-friendly
For most seniors, it is very important to eat healthily without spending a fortune. Thankfully, despite being perceived by many as a luxury food, bacon can form part of an economic lifestyle that also promotes overall health and happiness. Due to bacon’s distinctive and intense flavor, you do not need to eat copious amounts at a time in order to feel satisfied. Just one or two chopped-up strips of bacon can add a huge flavor punch to a healthy salad or homely pasta dish; two strips will also more than suffice on a nutrient-rich BLT sandwich. Bacon also freezes really well, so you can buy in bulk when you find a good source and use it sparingly for many months to come.
Bacon makes you happy
Apart from containing beneficial nutrients and being economical, bacon also has the ability to simply make you happy. Although depression is not considered a normal part of aging, it does affect up to 20% of the senior population. Consuming bacon has been found to improve one’s mood and boost happiness levels, thanks to its high contents of a neurotransmitter known as glutamate. Bacon also contains oleic acid which has been linked to decreased depression levels, especially in women, while a bacon-egg combo will provide you with a healthy dose of choline, which has been proven to lower anxiety substantially.
It is with very good reason that bacon is one of America’s favorite foods. Even as you grow older, you can continue to you enjoy your occasional bacon treat without having to feel guilty about indulging in one of the world’s most delectable foods.