Food for Health
We love our bacon. In recent years, this pork delicacy has seen a resurgence in popularity alongside new ways to enhance recipes ranging from bacon-infused macaroni and cheese1 to the not-quite traditional bacon-wrapped holiday turkey.2
But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good for you. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, one way to help reduce your risk of developing cancer is to omit processed meats from your diet. This includes bacon, salami, hot dogs and some sausages, all of which have been linked to an increased risk for colorectal cancer. While beef, pork and lamb also may contribute to cancer risk, the correlation isn’t quite as strong.3
It seems as if studies emerge every day recommending what we should and shouldn’t eat to improve our health. While researchers can draw reasonable guidelines, the reality is we’re all different; our various lifestyle choices, bodies and genetic makeup result in individual health outcomes, longevity and quality of life. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consider life insurance and to also plan for potential long-term care costs, for ourselves and to help protect our loved ones’ financial future. Please give us a call if you’d like to discuss your insurance options.
Now’s the time to focus on lifestyle choices to help promote a long and healthy life. For example, eggs had a bad reputation for many years. But recent studies show that eating eggs in moderation — approximately one a day — is believed to reduce the risk of diabetes without driving up serum cholesterol levels.Naturally, it’s best to omit any accompanying ham or bacon.4
Instead of potato chips or other crunchy, salty snacks, choose a handful of pecans, which may improve insulin levels to help reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in people who are overweight or obese. Also, mushrooms are shown to reduce excess inflammation linked to health ailments such as thyroid and heart conditions.5
Good news for coffee drinkers: A recent study found strong correlations from caffeine and coffee to a lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast, colorectal, colon endometrial and prostate cancers.6
Those trying to lose weight may avoid carbohydrates. In doing so, many people increase their intake of protein-laden foods. However, be careful with this approach, as the types of foods you eat may be more of a key factor. For example, one study found that those eating a diet high in meat-based protein had a 60 percent increase in cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, those getting their protein largely from nuts and seeds actually reduced their risk for cardiovascular disease by 40 percent.7
Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 Tess Koman. Delish.com. June 6, 2018. “Move Your Cheese-Loving Butt: Panera Just Rolled Out A Bacon Mac And Cheese.” https://www.delish.com/food-news/a21087421/panera-bacon-mac-and-cheese/. Accessed June 25, 2018.
2 Indiana Nash. The Daily Gazette. Nov. 19, 2017. “8 alternative ways to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey.” https://dailygazette.com/article/2017/11/19/8-alternative-ways-to-prepare-your-thanksgiving-turkey. Accessed June 25, 2018.
3 Jamie Ducharme. Time. May 26, 2018. “Cancer Group Recommends Ditching Bacon and Booze to Stay Cancer-Free.” http://time.com/5292566/world-cancer-research-fund-report/. Accessed June 25, 2018.
4 Kathleen Doheny. EndocrineWeb.com. June 16, 2018. “Heart Healthy Diet to Improve Cardiovascular Health, Lower Diabetes Risk.” https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/diabetes/59709-heart-healthy-diet-improve-cardiovascular-health-lower-diabetes-risk. Accessed June 25, 2018.
5 Ibid.
6 Kashmira Gander. Newsweek. June 22, 2018. “Drinking this much coffee can help keep your heart healthy, study suggests.” http://www.newsweek.com/amount-coffee-which-could-protect-heart-revealed-study-990660. Accessed June 25, 2018.
7 Sarah Angle. Healthline. June 14, 2018. “Think Your High-Protein Diet Is Healthy? It May Be Hurting Your Heart.” https://www.healthline.com/health-news/high-protein-diet-hurting-your-heart#1. Accessed June 25, 2018.
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