A new study found a connection between processed red meats and worse cognition.
And many things affect how well your brain functions.
Specifically, they were looking at cognitive function and dementia.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
These researchers published their findings in January 2025 inNeurology.Heres what they found.
How Was This Study Conducted?
Participants recorded a food diary every two to four years listing what they ate and how often.
They defined unprocessed red meat as beef, pork, lamb and hamburger.
During the 43 years (on average) of follow-up, 11,173 people in this group developed dementia.
OCF is how well your brain works to remember, think and solve problems.
OCF can be tested and scored using standardized tests.
This group took the assessments four times during the study period.
Subjective Cognitive Function
The third phase was the analysis of subjective cognitive function.
SCF shows up before cognition can be objectively tested.
The SCF group took surveys rating their own memory and thinking skills twice during the study.
Substitution Analysis
The fourth phase was the substitution analysis.
This looked at whether brain health improved when processed red meat was replaced by healthier proteins.
Heres what the researchers found:
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Omega-3 fatty acids are one ofthe best brain-loving nutrientsyou can consume.
Thats wherethe MIND dietcomes in.
The MIND diet is a fusion of the Mediterranean diet and theDASH diet.
To get you started, try these20 MIND diet dinner recipes.
