Chicken, broilers or fryers, flour
Category: Poultry Products Parts: Meat And Skin Method: Cooked, Fried
Nutrition Highlights
Serving Size
Calories
228
Nutrient
% Daily Value*
*Daily Values are based on the reference caloric intake of 2,000 calories for adults and children aged 4+ years. Source: Food & Drug Administration
Calorie Sources
Nutrient | Calories kcal (%) |
---|---|
Fat | 114 (50.1%) |
Protein | 97 (42.7%) |
Carbohydrate | 11 (4.7%) |
Total | 228 (100%) |
Serving: 3 oz [85g]
Composition
Nutrient | Weight g (%) |
---|---|
Water | 45 (52.4%) |
Protein | 24 (28.6%) |
Fat | 13 (14.9%) |
Carbohydrate | 2.7 (3.2%) |
Ash | 0.8 (1.0%) |
Total | 85 (100%) |
Serving: 3 oz [85g]
Benefits
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High in protein. Chicken provides lean protein that can help support muscle growth and maintenance
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Contains B vitamins. Chicken is a good source of niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 which help support energy production
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Provides selenium. Chicken contains the mineral selenium which acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function
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May support weight management. Chicken has fewer calories than red meat and can help you feel full as part of an overall healthy diet
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Fried in flour adds calories. While chicken itself is lean, frying it in flour adds calories and fat. It is healthier to bake, grill or roast chicken
Risks
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Fried foods are high in calories and saturated fat which can increase risk of obesity and heart disease
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Frying causes the formation of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. The levels are higher when foods are cooked at high temperatures
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Breading and flour coatings add extra calories and fat compared to baking or other cooking methods without coatings
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High sodium content from breading can increase blood pressure risk in susceptible individuals
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Deep frying alters the fat composition and increases trans fat levels compared to other cooking methods
Additional Information
Chicken, specifically broilers or fryers, cooked with the skin and fried using flour, offers both nutritional benefits and risks. Let's delve into these aspects to understand the overall impact of consuming this food product.
Starting with the nutritional benefits, chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Proteins are essential for various bodily functions, including muscle growth and repair, enzyme production, and hormone synthesis. Consuming chicken can help meet your daily protein requirements, supporting overall health and wellbeing.
Chicken also provides several vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in B vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These vitamins play crucial roles in energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production. Additionally, chicken contains minerals like phosphorus and selenium, which are essential for bone health, DNA synthesis, and antioxidant defense.
Furthermore, chicken prepared with the skin provides a small amount of healthy fats. While the skin does contain some saturated fats, it also contains monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. These fats can contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.
However, it is important to consider the risks associated with consuming chicken cooked with the skin and fried using flour. Firstly, frying chicken adds significant amounts of calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. The flour coating absorbs oil during frying, leading to an increase in saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases if consumed excessively.
Moreover, consuming chicken with the skin adds extra calories and saturated fats. The skin is the fattiest part of the chicken, and while it may enhance the taste and texture, it also contributes to weight gain and can negatively impact heart health if consumed in large quantities.
Another concern with fried chicken is the potential formation of harmful compounds. When frying at high temperatures, the interaction between the flour coating and the oil can produce acrylamides and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases when consumed in excess.
To make this food product healthier, it is advisable to remove the skin before consumption and consider alternative cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or boiling instead of frying. These methods reduce the intake of unhealthy fats and minimize the formation of harmful compounds.
In conclusion, chicken, specifically broilers or fryers, cooked with the skin and fried using flour, offers nutritional benefits in terms of high-quality protein, various vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. However, the risks associated with this preparation method include excess calorie intake, unhealthy fats, and the formation of harmful compounds during frying. To enjoy the nutritional benefits while minimizing the risks, it is recommended to consume chicken without the skin and opt for healthier cooking methods.