The Popular Myth About the Harm of Beef Consumption Debunked 0 8

Daily inclusion of beef in the diet does not worsen indicators related to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This conclusion was reached by researchers following a randomized clinical trial involving adults with prediabetes. The results were published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN).

The study involved 24 individuals with excess body weight and prediabetes. For two months, participants alternated between two dietary options: one with daily consumption of 170-200 grams of beef and the other with an equivalent amount of poultry dishes. Each phase lasted 28 days. Between the two phases of the experiment, a "washout period" was provided — a time during which participants returned to their usual diet. This allowed for a reduction in the influence of the previous diet on the body and a proper comparison of the results of the two diets.

Analysis showed that regular consumption of beef did not affect insulin sensitivity, pancreatic β-cell function, blood glucose levels, or inflammation markers. All key cardiometabolic indicators remained comparable to those observed with the poultry diet.

The authors note that when included in a balanced diet, unprocessed beef does not worsen the metabolic profile of individuals at increased risk of diabetes. In their opinion, the results complement data indicating that the overall nature of the diet plays a decisive role, rather than the exclusion of individual products.