Neither chicken nor mutton is inherently "more harmful" than the other. The health impacts depend on various factors including preparation methods, consumption frequency, and overall diet. However, according to the World Health Organization, red meat, which includes mutton, is classified as a cancer-causing food, and high consumption increases cancer risk. Chicken, considered white meat, does not carry the same classification.
Understanding the Risks
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Mutton (Red Meat): The World Health Organization reports link high consumption of red meat to an increased risk of developing cancer. This doesn't mean that eating mutton always leads to cancer; the risk increases with higher consumption levels. Preparation methods also matter; grilling red meat at high temperatures can create harmful compounds.
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Chicken (White Meat): White meat, such as chicken, is generally considered healthier than red meat and is not linked to cancer in the same way. However, high-fat chicken preparations and excessive consumption can contribute to other health problems like high cholesterol.
Factors to Consider
- Preparation: Both chicken and mutton can be prepared in healthy and unhealthy ways. Grilling, frying, and adding excessive fat significantly increase the health risks of both.
- Quantity: Moderation is key. Consuming large amounts of either meat can be detrimental to health.
- Overall Diet: The impact of meat consumption depends on your overall diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can mitigate some negative effects of meat consumption.
Therefore, while neither is inherently "harmful," the evidence suggests that high consumption of mutton carries a greater potential health risk due to its classification as a cancer-causing food by the WHO.
