Evidence on the potential effects of halal meat on sleep/wake cycles and mood state profile: A pilot study

Abstract

Nowadays, halal meat is attracting consumers as a healthier product. However, little is known about its nutritional content and possible health effects. A comparative analysis of the protein and amino acid contents between halal and non-halal meats (beef and lamb) was carried out in the present work. Additionally, a pilot study was also simultaneously performed to analyse the impact of their consumption on sleep/wake cycles and mood state profile in general population. Participants (n = 25) were asked to exclusively consume halal meats (1,000 g of gross weight/week) for 30 days. Objective and subjective sleep qualities, mood state profile, and levels of the urinary metabolites of serotonin and melatonin were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Significantly higher contents of proteins and some amino acids were observed in halal-lamb and halal-beef, respectively. The consumption of halal meats for 30 days caused a slight improvement in men’s diurnal activity and mood state profile, as well as in women’s subjective sleep quality. Significantly higher urine levels of serotonin were also reported, particularly in men. Halal meat consumption seems to have a positive impact on sleep/wake cycles and mood state profile, likely due to the higher protein and amino acid contents. Additional scientific research is needed to support consumer trends in the coming years.