New Study Links Red Meat in Healthy Diets to Improved Mental Health

Recent research from South Dakota State University has unveiled a potential benefit of red meat consumption within high-quality diets, suggesting it may enhance mental health.

Traditionally associated with heart disease, red meat is now being reconsidered in light of findings that indicate its inclusion in well-rounded diets could be beneficial. According to the study led by researchers at SDSU, incorporating red meat not only aids in nutrient adequacy but also positively influences gut microbial diversity.

The research utilized data from the American Gut Project, a comprehensive initiative focused on microbiome research. This extensive database allowed the team to analyze dietary, microbial, and health information from nearly 5,000 adults, who were categorized based on their dietary habits and red meat intake.

Participants were divided into four distinct groups according to their adherence to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Eating Index, which evaluates diets on a scale from 0 to 100. The groups included those with high-quality diets that either included or excluded red meat, and those with low-quality diets that also either included or excluded red meat.

The results indicated that individuals adhering to high-quality diets maintained healthy weight levels, whether or not they consumed red meat. Notably, those who included red meat in their diets not only benefited from increased protein intake but also received essential nutrients critical for brain health, such as zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and choline.

Furthermore, the study found that higher Healthy Eating Index scores correlated with reduced incidences of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. Enhanced gut microbial diversity was also associated with those consuming red meat within high-quality diets.

The findings suggest a more flexible approach to dietary guidelines, advocating for a focus on overall dietary patterns rather than strict elimination of specific food types. This perspective emphasizes that a balanced diet can be more effective for long-term health and wellness.

The research was presented at the annual Nutrition 2025 meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held in Orlando, Florida. An abstract detailing the study's findings is published in Current Developments in Nutrition, and the full study is currently under review for publication in Scientific Reports.