Chicken is one of the most versatile and frequently consumed meats in the world. It's known for its tender texture, rich flavor, and low cost. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 8 oz of boneless, skinless chicken and examine its nutritional content.
Nutritional Content
When purchasing boneless, skinless chicken, the nutritional content can vary depending on the brand and source. However, we'll use a common brand as a benchmark to illustrate the nutritional breakdown.
| Nutrient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 216 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
Total Fat: 4 grams of total fat are present in 8 oz of boneless, skinless chicken. This amounts to 6% of the daily recommended value (RDA) of fat.
Saturated Fat: There are 2.1 grams of saturated fat in 8 oz of chicken. This is slightly above the 2% RDA but still within a healthy range for saturated fat intake.
Trans Fat: Trans fats are typically not found in high amounts in boneless, skinless chicken due to its preparation methods, but it's always good to check the label for potential sources.
Polyunsaturated Fat: Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats make up 4.2 grams of the total fat in 8 oz of chicken, with polyunsaturated fats making up 1.5 grams and monounsaturated fats making up 2.5 grams.
Cholesterol: 8 oz of chicken contains 175 milligrams of cholesterol. This amount is about 58% of the RDA for cholesterol, suggesting that chicken may contribute to overall cholesterol levels in the body.
Sodium: The sodium content in 8 oz of chicken is 824 milligrams. This is almost double the RDA of dietary sodium, indicating that eating chicken in large quantities can lead to highé’ intakes, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Carbohydrates: Since chicken contains no carbohydrates, it has no dietary fiber or sugars.
Dietary Fiber: As mentioned earlier, there are no dietary fibers in boneless, skinless chicken.
Sugars: Once again, 8 oz of chicken contains no sugars.
Health Benefits
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, it provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium. Chicken is also low in saturated fat and sodium, making it a relatively healthy option compared to red meats like beef or lamb.
###8 oz of boneless, skinless chicken provides various nutritional benefits, including protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. However, due to its high sodium content, eating chicken in excess may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. When consuming chicken, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and pair it with fresh vegetables and fruits to minimize the risk of overconsumption.