Meat Hinders Your Heart and Your Head

Thanks to the dedicated marketing efforts of the meat and dairy industries, many Americans still believe that eating fish, chicken, and other meats is good for you. In fact, the saturated fat, cholesterol, and total lack of fiber in meat and dairy products have been conclusively linked to numerous diseases, including the nation’s three biggest killers—heart disease, cancer, and strokes—as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

Research shows that diets high in animal fats have the highest correlation with Alzheimer’s disease prevalence. In fact, people who eat large quantities of saturated fats, like those found in meat and dairy products, have twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, while people who eat very small amounts of saturated fat in favor of more polyunsaturated fats, found in vegetables and nuts, have a 70 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s risk.

Saturated fats are also known to increase blood cholesterol levels, and elevated cholesterol levels have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 21-year aging study, investigators examined the association of total cholesterol with brain plaques and tangles in deceased study participants. The investigators found a strong correlation between increased cholesterol levels and increases in the number of plaques and tangles in the brain. The development of these plaques and tangles are the two main characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.

Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can help lower your cholesterol levels and greatly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that it is possible to not only prevent but even reverse the build-up of deadly arterial plaques and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by lowering one’s cholesterol. A healthy vegan diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is the best way to reduce overall cholesterol levels. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease rates have been shown to be 70 percent lower in people following a diet rich in whole grains and low in animal fats compared to a traditional American diet.

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