Does Bacon Really Take 9 Minutes Off Your Life? Examining the Link Between Bacon and Life Expectancy

Crispy, savory bacon is a beloved food for many people across America and the world. But over the years, there have been concerning health claims made about bacon consumption, including the idea that eating bacon can shorten your lifespan. Specifically, some reports have stated that each strip of bacon takes 9 minutes off of your total life expectancy

Is there any truth to this worrisome idea that bacon is directly cutting years off your life? Let’s examine the science and evidence behind this claim in detail.

Where Did the 9 Minutes Claim Come From?

In 2012 a small study conducted at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands analyzed data from over 120000 adults on their eating habits, lifestyle, and health outcomes.

The researchers found that for every 2 slices of processed red meat (like bacon) eaten daily, study participants had a 1% higher risk of premature death over the study period.

From this statistical correlation, some extrapolated that each strip of bacon you eat takes 9 minutes off your life, based on average US life expectancy of around 80 years.

However, while the study itself was legitimate, the way this 9 minutes figure was calculated and publicized was faulty. Correlation does not prove direct causation, and the author of the original study confirmed the 9 minutes calculation was just sensationalized journalism, not hard science.

Is Processed Meat Consumption Really That Risky?

While the 9 minutes per strip of bacon claim is not literal, the study did add to a large body of research indicating higher processed red meat consumption is associated with increased mortality risk.

Some key points on the processed meat – life expectancy link:

• Processed meats like bacon and sausage are classified by WHO as carcinogenic and linked to colorectal cancer.

• There does appear to be an association between higher intake of processed meat and increased risk of chronic diseases that can reduce lifespan.

• However, most studies show this risk is relatively small in size, around a 5-15% increase in relative mortality for each serving per day.

• Proving direct causation is difficult – other diet and lifestyle factors may also contribute to this increased risk.

So while the correlation between heavier processed meat intake and reduced lifespan does exist, it’s not nearly as dramatic as “9 minutes per strip of bacon.”

Other Factors Impacting Bacon’s Health Risks

It’s also important to note that bacon and processed meat intake do not happen in isolation – other dietary and lifestyle patterns play a role in how risky they are. Here are some mitigating factors to consider:

• Overall diet quality – Are you eating plenty of fruits/vegetables otherwise? Do you minimize sugary and ultra-processed foods? A mostly healthy diet can offset some bacon risk.

• Exercise habits – Are you physically active most days of the week? Regular exercise provides health benefits that can counteract some of bacon’s risks.

• Portion sizes – Eating 2-3 strips of bacon a few times a week is very different than having 5+ strips daily in terms of risk impact. Moderation matters.

• Cooking methods – Frying bacon and eating charred bits may pose greater risks than baking it minimally. Preparation methods are important.

• Types of bacon – Turkey bacon or uncured bacon may not carry the same risks as heavily processed pork varieties. Ingredients matter.

When looked at in isolation, bacon does pose some health risks. But within an overall balanced lifestyle, those risks are greatly minimized for most people.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Bacon

Instead of eliminating it completely, you can incorporate bacon into your diet more safely by:

• Choosing turkey or beef bacon occasionally instead of pork

• Opting for uncured bacon without nitrites or excess sodium

• Eating just 1-2 strips at a time, a few times per week maximum

• Choosing lower-sodium options with no added sugars

• Avoiding burnt, charred, or overcooked bacon

• Pairing bacon with antioxidant-rich foods like vegetables

• Using bacon as a flavoring for other dishes rather than eating strips directly

With mindful preparation and portion control, bacon can still be enjoyed even by health-conscious eaters.

Other Factors That Impact Life Expectancy

While we’ve focused on bacon, it’s important to note many other diet and lifestyle factors have a more dramatically significant impact on longevity. Here are some healthy behaviors that can extend your life by more than 9 minutes:

• Exercising regularly – Just 30-60 minutes of brisk walking per day can add years to your life.

• Not smoking – Kicking a smoking habit can increase life expectancy by over 10 years.

• Managing stress – Keeping stress under control can help you live longer.

• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep – Adequate sleep is linked to longevity.

• Eating a diet rich in fruits/vegetables – Produce intake reduces risk of chronic diseases.

• Drinking alcohol moderately – Heavy drinking takes years off one’s life, but moderate intake may boost longevity.

So if you’re looking to maximize your lifespan, focusing on the behaviors above will be far more impactful than eliminating the occasional strip of bacon.

The Bottom Line: An Occasional Strip Won’t Dramatically Cut Years Off Your Life

Based on current research, while heavy processed meat consumption may pose some health risks, eating the occasional strip of bacon in moderation is unlikely to significantly reduce most people’s lifespans. The exaggerated claim that each strip takes away 9 minutes is not backed by rigorous science.

As part of an overall balanced diet and lifestyle with plenty of fruits, vegetables, exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and limited alcohol intake, enjoying a few pieces of bacon here and there is perfectly fine for most healthy individuals.

Certainly overindulging in bacon every day, especially charred at high temperatures, is not recommended for optimal health and longevity. From a cancer risk standpoint, it’s also ideal to limit intake of processed red meats overall.

But with mindful preparation and reasonable portion control, bacon can still be incorporated as an occasional treat by most people without dramatically impacting their lifespans. So breathe easy – a couple of crispy bacon strips from time to time is not necessarily taking significant time away from your years! Moderation and balance are key.