Dark meat chicken can actually be a healthier choice than white meat — here's why you shouldn't be afraid to order it (2024)

FAQs

Dark meat chicken can actually be a healthier choice than white meat — here's why you shouldn't be afraid to order it? ›

Light meat chicken is lower in calories and fat than dark meat chicken, but it is also higher in protein. Dark meat, however is more nutritious in vitamins and minerals and not so saturated in fat.

And while dark meat does contain more fat than white meat, it's not as big a difference as you might think and it's this extra fat that gives it its juicy texture. Dark meat is also richer in nutrients than white meat and contains more iron and zinc. What about the other nutrients in chicken?

Turkey and chicken are both high in protein. But the darker cuts of these birds sometimes get a bad rep, usually because they're considered fattier. Fat may be dense in calories and best consumed in moderation, but it's an essential part of our diets. Plus, not all fats are created equal.

Research suggests that the dark meat of black chicken breeds like the Kadaknath provides a rich source of carnosine. Carnosine is a protein-building compound that has antioxidant properties, so eating black chicken meat may be a healthier choice than white meat.

While dark meat contains slightly more calories and fat compared to white meat, it also provides higher amounts of certain nutrients. Dark meat is an excellent source of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport, as well as zinc, which plays a crucial role in immune function and wound healing.

Here are some tips for incorporating chicken into a healthy fatty liver diet plan: Choose lean cuts: Opt for skinless chicken breasts instead of darker cuts like thighs or legs, which contain more fat. Avoid fried chicken: Fried chicken is high in saturated fat and can be harmful to liver health.

Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat

An excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, skinless turkey, is one of the best lean proteins to add to your meals. The nutrients found in skinless turkey meat can help support heart health, energy levels, brain function, digestion, and other bodily processes.

Chicken thighs have monounsaturated fat, which is an anti-inflammatory and heart healthy fat. The darker meat can be more flavorful and satisfying, as it tends to retain more moisture while cooking.

Meat products are one of the most difficult foods for the human body to digest because the protein contained in meat (especially red meat) is harder for us to break down, and this can cause bloating. Large amounts of fatty foods like meat make your stomach empty slower, which also causes bloating or discomfort.

Generally speaking, skinless chicken breast is the leaner option and often the cut most widely suggested for weight loss. This is because dark meat like the thighs (as well as the wings and legs) is higher in fat than the breast.

Why do Chinese eat black chicken? ›

Benefits of Black Chicken According to TCM

It is also believed to strengthen the liver and kidneys, nourish the blood, and improve immunity and overall energy. It's supposed to be a beneficial postpartum food, or for anyone who is healing from injury or surgery.

White meat cuts are the breast, breast tenders and wings. Dark meat cuts are the drumstick and thighs.

Kadaknath egg's health benefits

These eggs are a great source of protein and iron and are low in fat. “A 100-gram serving of this egg contains 11.67 per cent protein. Owing to its high protein and low-fat content, they are a great choice for people trying to lose weight,” said Agarwal.

It is the higher levels of saturated fat that have given dark meat a bad name.

Iron and zinc, which are important for a healthy immune system, are present in much higher quantities in dark meat than in white meat. Dark meat also has higher quantities of B vitamins, like thiamine, niacin, and B12, all of which help regulate the body's metabolism.

Darker cuts like the thigh and drumstick contain higher caloric content than lighter cuts like the breast. Keeping the skin or frying chicken will also add saturated fat. If you're switching out red meat for chicken, you'll want to stick with chicken breast, as it's the healthiest cut of the bird.

The bottom line

The chicken breast is lean and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass and improve recovery. Fattier cuts like the thigh, drumstick and wings have more calories, which make them better for people wanting to build muscle or gain weight.

Chicken and cows store fat differently, and in different parts of their bodies. For instance, chickens store fat primarily under the skin, and chicken thighs are higher in fat and cholesterol than breast meat.

Meats that fall under this category include chicken, turkey, goose, and duck. Poultry, especially white meat like breasts and wings, is a good source of lean protein. Poultry is also a source of vitamins like niacin, vitamin A, and magnesium. These are the leanest meats of the land animals.

The thigh and leg muscles are worked frequently, (all that running around like a chicken with its head…well, you get the picture) requiring more myoglobin. The additional protein gives dark meat its richer taste and texture, which makes it my favorite to cook with.