For years, red meat has been associated with increased risks of cardiometabolic conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. However, a recent study from Indiana University suggests that eating beef every day may not be as harmful as once believed.
Study Findings on Beef and Diabetes Risk
Researchers found that consuming 6-7 ounces of beef daily—slightly less than a typical ribeye steak—does not affect risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. The study, a randomized controlled trial, included 24 prediabetic adults (seven women and 17 men) aged 18-74. Participants ate two meals per day containing 3-3.5 ounces of cooked beef or poultry over 28 days, with meals including fajitas, stew, burgers, burritos, and stir fry. After a 28-day break, they repeated the regimen.
No Adverse Effects on Metabolic Health
Lead author Kevin Maki, an adjunct professor at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, stated: "Results from this gold standard randomized controlled trial build on existing scientific evidence that shows eating beef as part of a healthy dietary pattern supports heart health and does not adversely impact measures of blood sugar regulation or inflammation." He added that beef helps fill essential nutritional gaps without harming cardiometabolic risk profiles compared to poultry.
Background on Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects over 36 million Americans, occurring when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when pancreatic beta cells fail to produce enough insulin. The study measured insulin and glucagon levels, as well as beta cell function, finding no differences after beef or poultry consumption periods.
Funding and Context
The research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which had no involvement in the study. It was released shortly after the Trump administration's dietary guidelines placed animal protein at the top of the food pyramid. Notably, three of the guideline's authors had financial ties to the association, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
