Let’s get to the bottom of the decades-long debate.
Chicken is the most popular poultry meat in the world, comprising over90% of global poultry meat production.
However, there’s often great debate about which parts of the bird are better for you.
This may leave you thinking that white meat is healthier than dark meat, but is this actually true?
We compared the nutrition facts and considerations for each chicken bang out to find out which is the best.
White vs.
Dark Meat Nutrition
White-meat chicken and dark-meat chicken have many differences.
Even though their calorie contents are relatively similar, dark-meat chicken provides slightly more calories.
Additionally, dark meat provides more micronutrients like iron, zinc and riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Its satiating flavor is due to the presence of fats, mostly unsaturated fat and partly from saturated fats.
Plus, its dim hues are due to how frequently chickens move.
It is also high in many micronutrients like iron, zinc, phosphorus and B vitamins.
White-meat chicken isn’t lacking in nutrition and provides plenty of protein, phosphorus and B vitamins.
According to theNational Institutes of Health, phosphorus is a key component of your bones, teeth and DNA.
B vitamins are necessary for making energy and are crucial to yourbrain and nervous systems.
White meat is versatile and can be used in many dishes, fromone-pan chicken pastatostuffed chicken breasts.
Its subtle natural flavor easily adapts to spices, rubs,marinadesand other flavor additions.
White vs.
Dark Meat: Which Should You Choose?
“For heart health and weight management, I recommend having whichever piece of chicken you like best.
Eating skinless dark-meat chicken is not the source of weight issues or heart disease for most people.
However, I do recommend removing the skin before eating,” says Berger.
Additions such as these can add more sodium and fat to the meal," says Wheeler.
The meat will be tender and easily shredded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken thighs are considered dark meat, along with legs and drumsticks.
Chicken breasts, back and wings are sources of white-meat chicken.
According to the USDA,white-meatchicken has more protein per serving thandark-meatchicken.
Still, both types of chicken are packed with protein and can fit into a healthy eating pattern.
When talking about dark-meat chicken, you’ll find dark meat in the thighs, legs and drumsticks.
