The One High-Fat Food No One Over 40 Should Be Eating Anymore Because It Ruins Your Metabolism

Bacon

We hate to say it, because it's so undeniably delicious, but many health experts agree that processed meats like bacon are some of the worst foods out there when it comes to your overall health, and should especially be avoided if you're trying to lose weight.

Fat content of bacon

Richards tells us that bacon in particular is extremely high in fat. And while some of these fats, known as monosaturated fats, are actually good for you (they're the same heart-healthy fats found in fish) the other half can take a serious toll on your health, including your waistline. "Unfortunately, the remaining 50% of the fat in bacon is from saturated (40%) and polyunsaturated fats (10%)," she explains.

And it isn't the fat alone that can lead to weight gain; bacon is also extremely high in calories, which we all know can cause you to put on some extra pounds over time. "This combination of unhealthy fats and high calorie count will wreak havoc internally and externally by slowing metabolism," Richards warns.

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Bacon and heart disease

In addition to weight gain, there's another major health risk that all that fat in bacon poses: heart disease. "Dietary cholesterol is no longer as concerning to heart health as it was once thought to be, but a significant amount of saturated fat in the diet can lead to heart disease," Richards says.

Of course, eating bacon in moderation is always an option. However, she points out that this is unrealistic for most people, as standard serving size is just 1 slice—and who can have just 1 slice of bacon?! At the end of the day, though, indulging in a few pieces along with your eggs and toast won't kill you. However, limiting your consumption of processed meats as much as possible is always the best way to go for weight loss—and for your all-around wellness.

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