Processed Meat Linked to Higher Dementia Risk

New research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference indicates that consuming two servings of processed red meat per week is linked to a 14% higher risk of dementia compared to those who eat less than three servings a month. The study, involving over 130,000 participants tracked for up to 43 years, suggests that substituting processed red meat with nuts and legumes can decrease dementia risk. Additionally, a separate study highlights the benefits of diets high in fruits and vegetables for lowering blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk, and improving kidney health in hypertension patients. The DASH diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension but is under-prescribed. Other findings emphasize the role of specific foods like oats, almonds, beans, and avocados in lowering cholesterol and promoting heart health.