Is It True That Eating Chicken In Certain Counts Can Reduce Your Age? Study Reveals This

JAKARTA - So far, chickens are known as a healthier choice of animal protein than red meat. However, a recent study from Italy actually gave rise to surprising findings. Consumption of a certain number of chickens can increase the risk of death and cerna channel cancer.

Research conducted in the southern Italian region found that people who consume more than 300 grams of chickens per week (about 34 pieces of medium-sized chicken) have a 27 percent higher risk of death than those who only consume less than 100 grams. Not only that, the risk of developing cerna-channel cancer has also increased by 2.3 percent and even higher in men, which is 2.6 percent.

This finding is quite surprising because it contradicts the general view. Chickens have been considered an important part of a healthy diet, including in a Mediterranean diet that is well known for heart health and reduces the risk of cancer. In fact, the 2020-2025 United States Diet Guidelines still recommend chicken consumption as part of a weekly source of protein.

"Perhaps for the first time, the consumption of white meat needs to be considered as a potential risk factor for cernal cancer," said Dr. Nilesh L. Vora of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, quoted from the Healthline page.

The study involved nearly 5,000 people from two cities in Italy, which reported their own diet, including consumption of red and white meat. Even so, this study has not considered important factors such as levels of physical activity, cooking methods, and types of chickens consumed, whether they are fresh, processed chicken, or industrial livestock products.

"It is important to see further whether the chickens consumed come from farms with the use of antibiotics or hormones, and how to cook them," said nutritionist Michelle Routhenstein, RD.

He added that cooking at high temperatures such as frying or roasting can produce carcinogenic compounds that have the potential to increase the risk of cancer.

This study also does not differentiate between processed chicken such as sausages or nuggets. It usually contains additional ingredients and preservatives with fresh chicken cooked in a simple manner.

Experts do not advise the public to immediately stop consuming chickens. On the other hand, what needs to be considered is portion, frequency, and how to cook. Routhenstein recommends consuming unfated chicken and not processing as much as 200 grams per week as a safer amount. He also recommends a healthier cooking method, such as roasting, steaming, or boiling without excess oil.

"Instead of avoiding chickens completely, it's better if we focus on overall diet." said Dr. Anton Bilchik, oncologist from the Allah Saint John's Cancer Institute.

He added that other sources of protein such as fish can also be a good alternative, depending on the processing method.