Is Bacon Bad for You, or Good? Boasts an impressive nutrition profile. If you have a fatty liver, it is important to make sure that you are eating a healthy breakfast to start your day off right. It is a nutritious food that can be used in meal preparation due to its high fiber content, protein content, and micronutrients. Diet is a critical factor when it comes to preventing and reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The Art Of Knowing When Bacon Joint Is Perfectly Cooked, Is Smoked Bacon Healthy? On top of that, white bread often contains added sugars as well. However, since bacon is usually eaten in small serving sizes, none of the vitamins and minerals found in a slice of turkey bacon exceed 10% of the daily value (DV). Sass is also a three-time New York Times best-selling author and Certified Plant Based Professional Cook. Turkey bacon is lower in calories and fat than regular bacon and a good substitute for people who dont eat pork. Eggs have numerous health benefits, including being an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fish is hailed for its omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect against cardiovascular disease . The United States and the European Union have released guidelines on food safety that recommend the use of omega-3 and omega-6 oils. One slice of turkey bacon also has 164 milligrams (mg) of sodium which is about 7% of the maximum recommended daily intake for healthy adults. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver disease. However, some experts suggest that the available evidence is not strong enough, and more research is needed before recommending dietary changes (12, 13, 14). Some calorie- and fat-conscious eaters choose turkey bacon as a healthy alternative to the pork variety that traditionally graces breakfast tables. Foods high in glycemic carbohydrates, such as white bread and many commercial breakfast cereals, should not be consumed because they can contribute to fatty liver disease. Even if consumed in moderation, alcohol requires your liver to work harder and contributes to extra damage and inflammation. So, is bacon good for fatty liver? "Olive oil is very healthy for your liver," notes Dr. Lindenmeyer. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an infection or an injury to your liver, its possible that if you live a healthy lifestyle and eat the right foods, your liver may be able to heal itself.. While bacon is high in saturated fat, it is also a source of many essential nutrients that may be beneficial for those with fatty liver. These greens also have glutathione, which Dr. Lindenmeyer adds is a healthy antioxidant that can be helpful for your liver as well. It is always a good idea to choose raw, unsalted options. Garlic and omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help fatty liver disease patients. Turkey bacon isn't all that different from conventional bacon when it comes to nutritional content. Extra calories can be burned by reducing your daily diet or increasing your physical activity. The marbled white fat that is found throughout bacon strips is saturated fat, which is a major contributor to weight gain, metabolic conditions, and cardiovascular disease. While bacon can be an enjoyable part of a balanced diet, it is important to consider the potential effects it can have on the liver. Foods high in saturated fat contribute to the condition known as a fatty liver. Turkey bacon is made by pressing seasoned turkey mixture into strips to look like traditional pork bacon. Last medically reviewed on August 15, 2022. Legumes have a complex carbohydrate that keeps you full and lowers blood sugar fluctuations. People with diabetes may benefit from a ketogenic diet as part of their treatment. Nuts can pack a punch when it comes to their nutritional value. The Mediterranean diet which focuses on eating a balance of fruits, lean protein and vegetables is a good regimen to follow for your liver. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. In addition, astudy from 2017suggests that as oats and oatmeal are high in soluble fibers called beta-glucans, they may also help prevent obesity and inflammation. Alcohol certainly plays a role in alcohol-induced fatty liver disease, but it also contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as well. You can make a delicious, low-calorie breakfast by combining Greek yogurt with fruit. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. On the go, eating a protein-rich breakfast burrito is an excellent choice. Suzanne Fisher, RD, is the founding owner of Fisher Nutrition Systems. Just like the chronic consumption of soda, eating too much white bread over time contributes to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and fatty liver disease. Turkey and pork bacon contain roughly the same amount of zinc, which helps control gene activity. Make sure it is fully cooked; has no skin, bones, or fat; and is not cooked with any other ingredients or seasonings. In addition, since it contains less fat than pork bacon, manufacturers often add more sugar to improve the taste and texture. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A Healthy And Flavorful Alternative To Regular Table Salt: Enjoy Bacon Salt! A number of dietary principles should be considered when making food decisions, according to the U.S. You should always use low-fat, low-salt foods such as nonfat yogurt, skim milk, and cheese. http://www.ehow.com/about_5092603_vitamins-liver.html, What Vitamins Help the Liver?, Sarah DeWitt Ince, Retrieved September 15, 2013, Demand Media, Inc., 2013. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/turkey-breast-vs-chicken-breast.html#b, Turkey Breast vs. Chicken Breast, Retrieved September 15, 2013, Internet Brands, Inc., 2013. https://www.liversupport.com//four-nuts-that-support-your-liver/, Four Nuts that Support Your Liver, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved September 15, 2013, Natural Wellness, 2013. http://www.livestrong.com/article/238506-black-bean-nutritional-facts/, Black Bean Nutritional Facts, Molly McAdams, Retrieved September 15, 2013, Demand Media, Inc., 2013. https://www.njfcu.org/news/friday-fun-fact-turkey-health-nutrition-facts/, Friday Fun Fact Turkey: Health & Nutrition Facts, Retrieved September 15, 2013, North Jersey Federal Credit Union, 2013. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002441.htm, Diet Liver Disease, Retrieved September 15, 2013, US National Library of Medicine, 2013. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-tryptophan, The Truth About Tryptophan, Lisa Zamosky, Retrieved September 15, 2013, WebMD, LLC, 2013. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=125, Turkey, Pasture Raised, Retrieved September 15, 2013, The George Mateljan Foundation, 2013. This is why youll want to include plenty of healthy proteins likefishandchickeninto your diet. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. This combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein will provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to help keep your liver healthy. A new study is showing that the polyphenols in turmeric may be helpful for reducing the risk of fatty liver while decreasing stress at the cellular level. Turkey, especially turkey breast without the skin, fits the bill for a liver-friendly food. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, a signaling hormone that allows cells to collect glucose from the bloodstream. Similarly, if you smoke, you should quit in order to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. In an effort to add sweetness and flavor, some companies will add sugar to this pork bacon alternative . People who eat higher amounts of processed meat products also appear to be at greater risk of developing certain cancers. A person with NAFLD typically requires 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day or 500 to 1000 calories per day to be healthy. When bacon is cooked, the preservatives react with pork protein to produce harmful compounds called nitrosamines. One slice of turkey bacon has about 30 calories, so the calorie count can still add up if you add two to three . The fiber present in whole fruits effectively slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and prevents blood sugar spikes. It is important to limit your consumption of processed foods in general. Meat processors use sodium nitrite because it: Excess salt, in addition to causing high blood, may also play a direct role in liver damage. The preservatives added to bacon - like salt and artificial nitrates and nitrites - are detrimental for your health. Whole fruits contain sugar thats combined with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you have fatty liver, consuming chicken may help you maintain a healthy weight. It is the primary goal of a fatty liver diet plan to eliminate excess fat from the abdomen. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol? While there are some emerging studies being done, more research is still necessary to fully understand the possible benefits of tea for liver health. There are no standard treatment options for fatty liver disease. Here's the lowdown on what turkey bacon is and whether it's a healthier option. The information and products shown on this website should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. When we drink soda, the glucose from the added sugar is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to skyrocket. Living with a liver ailment typically requires analysis of everything you eat. Avocado is a healthy, fatty substitute that works well as a topping for toast or a creamy addition to smoothies and shakes. Turkey bacon has slightly fewer calories and fat than pork bacon and can be a good substitute for people on special diets or who cant eat pork. A serving size is equal to about 1 medium strip of bacon. Artificial nitrates and nitrites preserve the color and texture in meats such as bacon. Acetaldehyde is a toxic compound that causes oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in the liver, contributing significantly to fat accumulation in liver tissues. As a nutritionist, some of my clients ask me if turkey bacon is a better alternative to traditional pork-based bacon. Most people love bacon. Protein: 24 grams. Processed, refined grains like white bread often contain added sugar and are biologically equivalent to sugar in the body a double whammy when it comes to fatty liver disease. Since its a processed meat rich in sodium and preservatives, you should eat it in moderation. Cutting out alcohol and replacing it with healthy drinks like water or unsweetened green tea will also help you reach a healthy body weight. Thats right, your daily cup of coffee could be doing more than just getting your morning started. Protein pancakes, as a result, are high in protein and essential amino acids, which are beneficial for the liver. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. People with fatty liver disease have been shown in some studies to benefit from a lower carbohydrate/fat diet. If you do not, please check your spam/junk folder. As such, have a special appreciation this Thanksgiving that your feast revolves around an exceptionally liver-friendly fowl. Nitrosamines are cancer-causing agents that also cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Some natural brands of turkey bacon advertise that they are nitrate- or nitrite-free, but they often still use celery powder, a vegetable extract that is a rich source of natural nitrates. No nitrites or nitrates added. Even though someone suffering from fatty liver disease may have different eating habits, their goals for living a healthy life are the same. Other expert panels have made similar recommendations. Adding freshly brewed green tea to your daily routine will also promote liver health. Vitamins: Turkey and pork bacon both provide vitamin B complex nutrients, but pork bacon offers more. Dont add salt during the cooking process. 3 Most Common Liver Diseases & How to Protect Yourself, 9 Fall Fruits & Vegetables Good for Liver Health, Support Your Liver and Lose the Quarantine 15, Top 7 Springtime Veggies & Their Liver Health Benefits, Excerpt: The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs, Turkey contains naturally occurring substances called purines, http://www.ehow.com/about_5092603_vitamins-liver.html, http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/turkey-breast-vs-chicken-breast.html#b, https://www.liversupport.com//four-nuts-that-support-your-liver/, http://www.livestrong.com/article/238506-black-bean-nutritional-facts/, https://www.njfcu.org/news/friday-fun-fact-turkey-health-nutrition-facts/, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002441.htm, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-tryptophan, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=125. The salt added to bacon contributes to high blood pressure, a common co-occurring condition with fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. It is best to avoid fatty and sugary foods, which are known to increase fat accumulation in the liver, especially if you are overweight or obese. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is low in fat and cholesterol, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Fatty liver disease means you have extra fat in your liver. Its made by chopping or grinding turkey meat, adding seasonings and preservatives and then pressing the mix into bacon-like strips (1).