Research

Mixed

Regular consumption of poultry meat within a balanced diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, and is considered neutral or moderately protective against cancer risk.

Include poultry as a regular protein source in your diet, preferably skinless or with skin removed to minimize saturated fat. It helps manage weight, supports heart health, and provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron without the higher risks associated with red and processed meats. Aim for a balanced diet rich in vegetables alongside poultry consumption.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Consumption of poultry meat, as part of a vegetable-rich diet, is associated with a risk reduction of developing overweight and obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also, white meat (and poultry in particular) is considered moderately protective or neutral on cancer risk.
Franca Marangoni et al. · Food & Nutrition Research · 2015

Why this rating

Based on large-scale prospective observational studies (EPIC, NHANES) and meta-analyses, though not RCTs for long-term disease outcomes.

Source

Role of poultry meat in a balanced diet aimed at maintaining health and wellbeing: an Italian consensus document

Franca Marangoni et al. · Food & Nutrition Research · 2015

DOI 10.3402/fnr.v59.27606

narrative_reviewCited 398×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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