Chicken - calories, nutritional value and impact on health

Contents

Chicken is one of the most popular types of meat. Not only is chicken widely available and easy to prepare, it contains a wide range of nutrients that are beneficial to your health. However, different parts of the chicken can have different nutritional values, so in this text we will focus on chicken breast and chicken drumstick

Table of nutritional values for chicken breast per 85g 

Energy value122 kcal

Proteins24 grams

Carbohydrates0 grams

Fibers0 grams

Fats3 grams

Sugar0 grams

Table of nutritional values for chicken drumstick at 85g 

Energy value109 kcal


Proteins13.5 grams


Carbohydrates0 grams

Fibers0 grams

Fats5.7 grams


Sugar0 grams

How many calories does chicken have?

100 grams of chicken white meat contains 122 calories, while 100 grams of chicken drumstick contains 109 calories. 

Chicken is full of energy and nutrients, and at the same time, it does not have a high calorie intake. What is interesting is that 80% calories come from protein, and only 20% from fat, which is the healthiest ratio when it comes to meat.

Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates, which are mainly found in the form of starch in unripe bananas and sugar in ripe bananas. The carbohydrate composition of the banana changes drastically during ripening. The main component of unripe bananas is starch. Green bananas contain up to 80% of starch measured in dry weight. During ripening, starches are converted into sugars and eventually the banana contains less than 1% when the banana is fully ripe.

How many carbs does chicken have?

If you're on a low-carb diet, it might be a better choice to opt for fattier cuts of chicken like chicken wings or chicken drumsticks, as chicken is generally low in carbs. Community Verified icon

How much fat does chicken have?

The amount of fat can vary depending on which part of the chicken it is. Skinless chicken breast contains the least amount of fat, less than 3 grams. It is mostly unsaturated fat (there is less than 1 gram of saturated fat in an 85 gram serving of skinless chicken breast).

If you keep the skin on the chicken breast, the number of fat, calories and protein will be higher. An 85g serving of baked skin-on chicken breast contains 166 calories, about 6 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein.

How much protein does chicken have?

100 grams of chicken white meat contains 24 grams of protein, while 100 grams of chicken drumstick contains 13.5 grams of protein. 

It should be noted that it is crucial to understand that not every part of the chicken is the same nutritionally. Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed high-protein foods and is an essential part of any diet for weight loss and muscle building.  

How much fiber does chicken have?

Fiber is found in many plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. All of these foods are also low in fat. There is no dietary fiber in meat, fish, poultry, eggs or milk. 

Chicken and health

Chicken is a healthier alternative to red meat. It is very low in saturated fat, contains more omega-6 fatty acids than other animal meats, and is rich in vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, iron, zinc and copper. 

Stronger bones and muscles

Chicken protein is an excellent source of amino acids. Our bodies use amino acids to build muscle tissue, something that is especially important as we age. Studies have also shown that higher protein intake helps maintain bone mineral density. Eating chicken can help build stronger muscles and promote healthy bones, reducing the risk of injury and diseases such as osteoporosis.

Better mood

Chicken contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is associated with higher levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) in our brain. The levels of tryptophan in chicken aren't high enough to make you feel instantly euphoric, but studies show that it may help boost serotonin levels when combined with other factors.

Chicken and weight loss

Research suggests that 25-30 grams of protein per meal can help us feel full. Protein-rich meals can make us feel full despite eating less, which helps promote healthy weight loss. A healthy weight improves risk factors for heart problems such as high triglycerides and high blood pressure.