When you’re trying to build muscle, chicken is one of the best ways to get protein. Chicken has all essential amino acids and it’s rich in minerals and vitamins, making it a healthy staple in most diets. But when it comes to chicken, is white or dark meat healthier? Here’s what to consider next time you’re deciding what type of meat to eat.
Nutritional Benefits
White meat is lower in calories and fat than dark meat and it has more protein. Three ounces of white meat has 26 grams of protein and dark meat has 23 grams. Dark meat has twice the amount of fat that white meat has and it has more iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cooking
White meat doesn’t have much taste, so when cooking it’s all about spices and sauces. It’s extremely versatile and you can roast, bake, grill, or stir-fry it. Dark meat is also versatile, but due to the higher fat content, it’s juicier and richer. It’s also usually cheaper than white meat.
Which is Healthier?
Both white and dark meat chicken have lots of nutrients and which you choose to include in your diets depends on your health goals. If you’re trying to watch fat, it’s better to stick with white meat. Regardless of which meat you choose, it’s best to avoid the skin as it’s high in unhealthy fat and calories.
