ROME, Italy – Chicken, long hailed as a healthier alternative to red meat, is now facing scrutiny as a new study from researchers in Italy suggests that consuming excessive amounts of poultry may actually pose health risks.
The study, conducted by the National Institute of Gastroenterology in Italy, followed 4,869 adults over a 19-year period to investigate the potential link between chicken consumption and early death. Surprisingly, the findings indicated that individuals who consumed more than 300 grams of chicken per week faced a 27 percent increased risk of mortality compared to those who consumed less than 100 grams weekly.
What’s even more concerning is the association between high chicken intake and the risk of digestive system cancers. The study revealed that those who ate over 300 grams of chicken per week had more than double the risk of early death from these cancers, with men being particularly vulnerable to this risk.
While red meat has often been the target of health concerns, the study found that red meat consumption was more prevalent among participants who died from non-digestive cancers. Meat intake seems to play a significant role in health outcomes, with different types of meat affecting individuals differently.
The study also highlighted the limitations of its research, including the lack of information on the types of meat consumed, processed poultry consumption, and exercise habits. These limitations suggest that further investigation is needed to fully understand the impact of poultry consumption on health.
Overall, the study raises questions about the perceived health benefits of chicken over red meat and calls for more research to elucidate how poultry consumption influences health outcomes. As the popularity of chicken continues to rise in the US, understanding the potential risks associated with its consumption becomes increasingly important for public health.