Is red meat better than white meat?

A new study reveals some bad news for meat eaters. Researchers find that white meat is just as harmful to cholesterol levels as red meat. The document contradicts the widespread belief that white meat is healthier than red meat. This belief is based on a variety of observational studies that have found a relationship between red meat consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. * However, the authors of the new research argue that the connection between white meat and cholesterol. Saying has not received enough attention in the specialized literature. Therefore, a team of researchers – headed by lead author Dr. Ronald Krauss. It was proposed to investigate this link in more detail. Dr. Krauss and his colleagues tested how different meat intakes affected lipid and lipoprotein levels. Which can cause the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries. They published their findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Comparison of intake of meat and non-meat products

The researchers divided healthy men and women into two groups. According to whether they regularly consumed high levels of saturated fatty acids or low levels of saturated fatty acids. Within these two arms of the study, the researchers randomly assigned participants to a red meat group. A white meat group and a non-meat protein diet group. Within each group, participants consumed the assigned foods for 4 weeks. After the intervention, researchers measured low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol). * Levels of apolipoprotein B, small and medium LDL particles, as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (“good” cholesterol). Red and white meat have “identical” effects. The study found that abstaining from eating meat reduced blood cholesterol much more than previously believed. Eating red and white meat raised blood cholesterol levels more than consuming equivalent levels of plant protein. “This was mainly due to the increase in large LDL particles,” the authors note. Elevated cholesterol levels did not depend on whether the diets also had high levels of saturated fat. ** “When we planned this study, we expected red meat to have a more adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels than white meat, but we were surprised that this was not the case – its effects on cholesterol are identical when saturated fat levels are equivalent.” Dr. Ronald Krauss ** The lead author adds that non-meat protein sources, such as vegetables, dairy products and legumes. They have the most beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. * However, the authors also note that the study did not include grass-fed beef, fish, or processed meats. “The findings are consistent with recommendations promoting diets with a high proportion of plant-based foods.” “But, based on the effects of lipids and lipoproteins, they do not provide evidence for choosing white meat over red meat to reduce [cardiovascular disease] risk,” the researchers write. Dr. Krauss and colleagues conclude that “the present study is the first to show that both categories of meat protein result in higher LDL concentrations than those resulting from plant protein sources in comparable diets.” If you want more information on nutrition and health topics, or need advice to find the healthiest eating plan to help you lose weight, **click here.