A new study from South Dakota State University (SDSU) suggests that lean red meat, when included as part of a high-quality diet, may play a role in supporting mental health and well-being.
The Research
Led by Samitinjaya Dhakal, assistant professor in SDSU’s School of Health and Human Sciences, the research analyzed dietary data from nearly 5,000 adults in the American Gut Project. Participants were grouped into four categories based on their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores—with or without red meat in their diets.
The findings were clear: individuals following high-quality diets that included red meat had stronger intakes of important brain-health nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and choline. These diets were also linked to more diverse gut microbiomes, which have been increasingly associated with positive mental health outcomes.
Key Insights
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Balanced Approach: The study emphasizes that red meat can be part of a healthy diet, provided the overall dietary pattern scores high on quality.
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Nutritional Benefits: Lean red meat helps deliver nutrients often difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from plant-based diets alone.
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Gut and Brain Connection: Improved microbial diversity in the gut may help explain why diet quality—including lean red meat—supports mental wellness.
Professor Dhakal summarized the findings by noting that the message is not about eliminating red meat, but rather about maintaining balance: “Including red meat in high-quality diets improves adequacy of nutrients related to mental health.”
Why It Matters for the Pork Industry
The results come at a time when red meat often faces scrutiny in nutrition and health discussions. This study provides evidence that lean pork and other red meats can have a constructive role in supporting both physical and mental health—when consumed responsibly within balanced diets.
For producers and industry stakeholders, this reinforces the message that pork is not only a source of protein, but also a valuable provider of essential nutrients tied to wellness.
