How Many Calories Are in Chicken Breast? Nutrition Facts & Benefits

Chicken is a staple of the American diet. Americans eat about 100 pounds of chicken per person per year, more than any other country in the world, according to the National Chicken Council. Given its availability, affordability, and versatility, it's no wonder chicken is the most consumed protein in the United States. Additionally, chicken contains 10 essential vitamins and minerals, plenty of protein, and limited saturated fat, making it a highly nutritious lean protein. Let's take a closer look at chicken nutrition, including its health benefits, frequently asked questions about chicken, and healthy ways to prepare it.

Nutritional information for chicken breast

3.5 oz skinless, boneless white meat chicken breast Have:

●106 calories

●23 grams of protein

●2 grams of fat

●Carbohydrates 0 grams

Darker colored chicken has more calories and fat per serving.

Health benefits of eating chicken breast

The nutrients in chicken play a role in building muscle, brain function, mood, and maintaining weight. Chicken meat is mainly composed of protein, a macronutrient that plays many roles in the body. Proteins are essential for muscle building, bone strength, organ function, enzyme function, antibody production, and DNA formation. The average person needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.36 grams per pound) per day. For a person weighing 150 pounds, this equates to at least 54 grams of protein per day for him, and one chicken meal provides nearly half of that requirement. Active people and athletes need even more protein for muscle growth and recovery.

Eating a protein-rich diet can also lead to weight loss. the study Research over the past 20 years has shown that high-protein diets contribute to long-term weight maintenance. Protein plays a role in controlling hunger and regulating appetite, so protein is necessary for weight management. Additionally, researchers believe that consuming 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal may reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as heart attack and diabetes.

Chicken also contains vitamin B12 and choline, two nutrients that may play a role in brain development, memory, mood, and the nervous system.most people don't have enough Colin Their diet includes chicken, so they can meet their daily needs by eating chicken. This is especially important for pregnant women, as insufficient intake of chicken meat during pregnancy has been noted. linked For neural tube defects in infants.

The nutrients in chicken are beneficial, but recently… review states that there is a lack of independent research on the health benefits of eating chicken. Instead, most studies look at overall poultry intake, or how poultry intake compares to red meat or plant protein intake. Therefore, it is difficult to say with certainty that eating chicken reduces the incidence of certain diseases. However, given its low saturated fat content, there is reason to believe that chicken is a healthy part of your overall diet.

Are there any disadvantages to eating chicken?

Chicken is a lean protein that is suitable for most healthy diets. However, not all chicken products are nutritionally the same. While white meat chicken breast without skin is low in saturated fat and calories, the same cannot be said for dark meat chicken and chicken skin.For example, a 3.5 oz serving dark meat chicken Chicken with skin has more than twice the calories as the same amount of white meat chicken without skin. It also contains 18 grams of fat, compared to 2 grams for skinless white meat chicken.

Some chicken products, such as nuggets and chicken wings, contain additional breading and sauces, making them higher in sodium, sugar, calories, and fat. When choosing a chicken product, look at the nutrition facts label to see what other ingredients are added and how that changes the overall nutrition of the chicken.

fun facts about chicken

Buying chicken at the store can be very confusing with all the different claims on the packaging. Should you choose organic, free-range or conventional varieties? Here's a breakdown of common packaging claims. This will help you make the best decision for your family.

Should I eat organic?

It can be difficult to decipher everything that's written on a chicken package. In addition to the word “organic,” some people may see the words “antibiotic-free” and wonder what that means. Believe it or not, these terms are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and poultry producers must follow strict guidelines to display these terms on their labels.

Organic chickens eat organic feed and are not given any antibiotics. Conventional chickens, on the other hand, have unlimited feed and can be given lifelong antibiotics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns against administering antibiotics too often, as this can lead to antibiotic-resistant superbugs that can make chickens seriously ill. Finally, “antibiotic-free” chickens are not given antibiotics but have no restrictions on feed.

What does “free range” mean?

Because the term “free range” is not clearly defined, USDA approves these labeling claims on a case-by-case basis. Generally, “free range” means that the chicken has access to outdoor space for part of his day. This does not necessarily mean that they can roam freely in the fields, but rather they can be near small holes in the coup with fresh air. Chickens prefer to be close to water and food, so they often choose to stay within range of a coup.

healthy chicken breast recipes

Cooking chicken is easy and the recipe possibilities are endless. Here are some of our favorite chicken dishes.