Whether you are determined to lose weight or simply eat lean and clean, you may be wondering if chicken is good for you. We’re here to answer with an emphatic “yes!” You may be surprised to discover the health benefits of eating chicken. Here are six of the most compelling reasons to add more chicken to your diet.

Health Benefit 1: Protein Powerhouse

The building blocks of your muscles, bones and more, protein is so important to a healthy diet. And chicken is a delicious way to consume your daily allowance. In fact, a 3-ounce serving of chicken delivers as much protein as eight medium shrimp, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, four hard-boiled eggs, 1 cup of lentils, 100 almonds or one to two scoops of your favorite protein powder. ¹

Health Benefit 2: Nutrient Dense

Eating chicken is a great way to set your body up for success, as it’s rich in Niacin, which aids in metabolism, Vitamin B⁶, which supports your immune system and Biotin, which boosts cell growth.²

Health Benefit 3: Favored by the Food Sensitive

Suffer from celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy? Chicken is naturally gluten free – an ideal option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Health Benefit 4: Paleo Approved

Chicken fits in the Paleo diet, an eating plan that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like meat, poultry, fish, fruit and veggies. Chicken for dinner? Our ancestors would approve!

Health Benefit 5: Mood Booster

Chicken contains tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts the serotonin levels in the brain. Feeling a bit anxious or not your cheery self? A serving of chicken may do the trick! ³

Health Benefit 6: Lean and Lovely

Monitoring your fat intake? A 3-oz. piece of chicken has only 2 grams of fat, as compared to a 3-ounce serving of 90% lean ground beef, a 3-ounce top round steak and a 3-ounce serving of pork loin, which deliver 11, 7 and 6 grams of fat respectively.⁴

Sources:

1 “What 25 Grams of Protein Looks Like.” https://dailyburn.com/life/health/protein-sources-infographic/.

2 “Chicken: The Preferred Protein for Your Health and Budget!” https://www.poultryprotein.co.in/chicken-the-preferred-protein-for-your-health-and-budget/.

3 “Top 10 Ways Chicken Contributes to a Healthy Diet.” https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/top-10-ways-chicken-contributes-healthy-diet/.

4 National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-human-nutrition-research-center/methods-and-application-of-food-composition-laboratory/mafcl-site-pages/sr11-sr28/.