A new study by Spanish scientists has challenged the popular belief that chicken is healthier and safer than beef. It has been found that lean beef may be less harmful to the gut and may also have a positive effect on the composition of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.
Scientists studied the effects of Pyrenean beef and chicken on 16 healthy young people aged 18 to 22. For 8 weeks, the participants followed two different diets: one group ate beef three times a week, the other chicken. The meat was prepared in traditional ways - fried, stewed, baked, while the nutritional value of the diets was the same.
The results showed that the chicken diet reduced the diversity of beneficial bacteria and increased the number of harmful microorganisms in the gut. In addition, chicken negatively affected glucose absorption and reduced amino acid production. In contrast, beef promoted the growth of bacteria of the genus Blautia, which protect the intestinal mucosa.
However, other studies, including those by Italian scientists, indicate that consuming more than 300 grams of chicken per week may increase the risk of death from several types of cancer, including stomach cancer. The reasons for this effect are not yet precisely established, but may be related to cooking methods or the quality of poultry feed.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 21% of bowel cancer cases are linked to the consumption of red or processed meat due to the formation of harmful chemical compounds during processing or cooking.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) stresses that meat is an important source of protein, vitamin B12 and other nutrients needed for muscle development and nervous system support. At the same time, the NHS advises limiting red meat consumption to 70 grams per day to minimise health risks while maintaining the product's benefits.
Thus, lean beef in moderation may be more beneficial than chicken for maintaining gut health and overall well-being.
