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So, is bacon all bad? Well, as it turns out it has some ingredients that are actually good for you. Who knew?

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It does contain some choline, which is needed for brain health, and some monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for you, but it's also high in the saturated fats that are associated with cardiovascular diseases, as well as sodium, which can be a problem for some people who have high blood pressure. As far as calories, one typical strip of bacon has about 40, which isn't bad, but the calories can add up quickly when you eat multiple pieces.

Fried bacon also has more heterocyclic amines than any other meat. Heterocyclic amines are associated with an increased risk of some forms of cancer. It's a processed meat so bacon has added flavorings and preservatives, such as sodium nitrite, which may also be linked to a greater risk of some types of cancer.

However, there does seem to a scientific basis for bacon's bad reputation, although it may not be the whole story:

Several observational studies point to a correlation between heavy consumption of processed meats and ill health. But to be fair, people who eat large amounts of processed meats like bacon also tend to have poor diets in general, drink more alcohol, are more likely to smoke, and are usually less active. It's difficult to know exactly how bad eating large amounts of bacon (or any particular type of processed meat) is for your health.

Are You A Bacon Addict? 

Even though bacon may not be the best food for you, you don't necessarily have to eliminate it. Instead, just add a small amount to other foods that are healthy, such as salad or veggies. You still get that savory, rich flavor and crispy texture, but you offset some of the disadvantages.

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Article Source: Very Well