JEFF CAPLAN'S MY MINUTE OF NEWS
Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Red meat and dementia
Aug 13, 2024, 6:00 AM | Updated: Aug 14, 2024, 2:49 pm
Studies show that red meat, which includes hot dogs, increase your risk for developing dementia. (Canva)
(Canva)
Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.
SALT LAKE CITY — My wife and I drove to San Diego a couple weeks ago. We just needed to remember what a sunny 75 degrees feels like and see some ocean waves. We went to a Padres game, had a hot dog.
And true story, as soon as I licked the mustard off my fingers, an alert pops up on my phone. It says that new research shows that processed red meat may up your chances for developing dementia.
The study of 130,000 people showed that those who ate processed red meats twice a week raised their risk of dementia by 14%.
So we’re sitting in this packed stadium in San Diego – Padres and Dodgers – I’m looking at my phone and say “Hon, new study says hot dogs give you Alzheimer’s.”
And we just look at each other, thinking about the tube steaks we just ate. They were okay. But they weren’t worth losing your mind.
An inning later, I say let’s get some junk food. I put my hand in my pocket and my credit card is gone.
First thought was “Oh no.” Second thought: “The hot dog gave me Alzheimer’s.” The study’s right.
Then – thank goodness – Heather found my credit card on the ground by our feet and all was good.
Except it left me counting how many times a week I eat processed red meats.
The study showed that you should eat less than two servings in any week. If you eat a third or fourth serving of processed red meat, each of those servings will eventually age your brain an extra year and a half.
The study suggests swapping the hot dog for nuts or beans because instead of raising, you lower your risk of dementia by 20%. So if you go to the old ballgame, skip the hot dog and get the peanuts and cracker jacks.
If you can find your credit card.
Jeff Caplan is the host of Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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