Moderate consumption of red meat has a beneficial effect on mental health.
According to an Australian study, women whose diets do not include red meat are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Switching mainly to protein, such as chicken and fish, is not as healthy as previously thought, scientists say.
Until now, the consumption of red meat was thought to have a negative effect on mental health, as its consumption is associated with risks to physical health, but it turns out to be an important food product, says Felice Jaca of Dickin University. ", The state of Victoria.
The study included over 1,000 women. It has been found that those who do not eat lamb and beef are twice as likely to develop depressive or anxiety disorders.
The result is similar even after the researchers take into account the participants' overall diet, as well as other factors such as physical activity level, smoking, weight and age.
No link has been established between mental health and other forms of protein, such as chicken, pork, fish or plant-based proteins.
However, red meat should not be overdone, scientists emphasize. Consumption in excess of the recommended amounts is also associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Red meat can be a healthy product because it contains high levels of nutrients that are important for physical and mental health, scientists say.
Experts recommend that the consumption of red meat should not exceed 70 g per day.
The results are published in Psychotherapy Psychosomatics .