In the study<\/a>, Spanish researchers analysed how chicken and beef affected the gut microbiome of 16 healthy individuals, mostly aged between 18 and 22-years-old.\u00a0<\/p>\n They found that whilst both diets\u2014which were followed for a period of eight weeks\u2014 had an impact on gut bacteria, the chicken-based diet was associated with a significant decrease in microbial diversity and richness.\u00a0<\/p>\n The gut microbiome\u2014the community of friendly bacteria that live in the gut and communicate with the brain\u2014is essential for protecting against infection and disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n After eating a chicken-based diet, participants were also found to have higher levels of harmful bacteria in the gut, which has been linked with a number of diseases including bowel cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Interestingly, they found that the beef-based diet led to a significant increase in Blautia bacteria which plays a key role in protecting the mucus barrier in the gut, warding off inflammation and disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n In the study, participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and randomly assigned to eat Pirenaica beef\u2014which is naturally high in potassium, zinc and vitamin B\u2014or chicken three times a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n Researchers concluded that lean beef was less damaging to gut health, boosting healthy healthy bacteria and supporting the production of essential amino acids<\/p>\n Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\n Chefs prepared the cuts using standardised cooking methods including grilling, stewing and roasting.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The nutritional value of both diets, including protein and fat sources, were similar in both groups.\u00a0<\/p>\n Participants then had a wash-out period of five weeks between the two diets, in which they resumed their normal diet.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end of each diet-period.\u00a0<\/p>\n The researchers found that the chicken-based diet negatively affected the body’s ability to process glucose\u2014a type of sugar\u2014which interfered with blood sugar levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n Blood sugar levels often change in the day but it is important to try and keep levels stable.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the NHS, low blood sugar below 4mmol\/L can be dangerous if left untreated causing seizures, sleep disturbances, loss of consciousness and heart palpitations.\u00a0<\/p>\n They also found that this diet lead to a decrease in the production of amino acids\u2014the building blocks of proteins\u2014which are essential for immune function and gut health.\u00a0<\/p>\n The researchers included a five-week reset period between te beef and chicken diet phases to allow participants’ gut bacteria to return to baseline before switching meats\u00a0<\/p>\n Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\n![\"Researchers](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/100728921-14950347-image-a-11_1753789030144.jpg\")
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