Doha: A study conducted by researchers from South Dakota State University in the United States revealed that including red meat in high-quality diets may contribute to enhancing mental health and supporting microbial diversity in the gut.

According to Qatar News Agency, the study explained that people who follow a balanced diet with moderate consumption of red meat have lower chances of developing depression and certain mental disorders, experience positive changes in microbial diversity in the gut, and obtain important nutrients for brain function such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12.

These findings were presented during the Nutrition 2025 conference of the American Society for Nutrition, based on data from the American Gut Project that included 4,915 adults divided into four different groups according to their diets and red meat consumption. The results showed that the quality of the diet is the most important factor for human health, not the complete abstinence from certain foods.

The study indicates the importance of focusing on the overall quality of the diet, which enhances mental and physical health and supports microbial diversity in the gut.