Influencers on TikTok are shaping our diets in ways that might be surprising – and alarming.
Recently, several TikTok personalities have been promoting eating raw chicken as part of a unique diet trend, with viral videos garnering millions of views.
Sarah Jeffries, a first aid expert at Emergency First Aid at Work Course, conducted research and found that over the past year, Google searches for:
- “Can you eat raw chicken?” have increased by 357%
- “Benefits of eating raw chicken” by 51%
- “Dangers of eating raw chicken” by 23%
The Risks of Eating Raw Chicken
Despite the growing interest in raw chicken, this trend can be incredibly dangerous. Sarah Jeffries explains:
Chicken, when cooked, is a valuable source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients. However, eating it raw exposes you to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli, which can cause severe food poisoning. Cooking chicken thoroughly ensures these bacteria are killed during the high-heat process.
Raw chicken is particularly concerning because it often harbours bacteria from animal faeces. Even small amounts of contamination can lead to serious health risks, including foodborne illnesses.
A Word of Caution
Before jumping on diet trends popularised by TikTok influencers, ensure you’ve done your research. While influencers may showcase raw chicken as part of a “natural” or “health-boosting” lifestyle, the health risks far outweigh any unproven benefits.
Eating a balanced diet means getting all the essential nutrients your body needs while minimising exposure to harmful bacteria. Avoid risky foods that could lead to severe health complications.
