Ground Chicken Nutrition Facts: A Comprehensive Guide to Calories, Protein, Fat, Carbs, and Vitamins
Ground chicken is a popular ingredient in many dishes and recipes, and for good reason. Not only is it a versatile protein source, but it is also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial to overall health. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nutrition facts of ground chicken, including its calorie count, protein content, fat and carb levels, and vitamins.
Introduction
Ground chicken is a leaner alternative to ground beef, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers and meatballs to stir-fries and tacos. While it is a great source of protein, it also has a unique nutrient profile that sets it apart from other types of meat.
Calories in Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is a low-calorie food, which makes it a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One 3.5-ounce serving of ground chicken contains approximately 170 calories, which is significantly lower than the calorie count of ground beef, which contains around 250 calories per serving.
Protein Content in Ground Chicken
One of the biggest benefits of ground chicken is its high protein content. Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and aiding in the production of enzymes and hormones. One 3.5-ounce serving of ground chicken contains approximately 22 grams of protein, which is comparable to the protein content of ground beef.
Fat and Carb Levels in Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is a low-fat food, which makes it a healthier alternative to ground beef, which is higher in fat. One 3.5-ounce serving of ground chicken contains approximately 9 grams of fat, which is significantly lower than the fat content of ground beef, which contains around 18 grams of fat per serving.
Ground chicken is also a low-carb food, which makes it a great choice for those who are following a low-carb or keto diet. One 3.5-ounce serving of ground chicken contains only 1 gram of carbohydrates, which is significantly lower than the carb count of ground beef, which contains around 0 grams of carbs per serving.
Vitamins in Ground Chicken
In addition to being a great source of protein, ground chicken is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. One 3.5-ounce serving of ground chicken contains the following vitamins:
- Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg (25% of the recommended daily intake)
- Vitamin B12: 0.4 mcg (7% of the recommended daily intake)
- Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg (2% of the recommended daily intake)
- Niacin: 7.9 mg (40% of the recommended daily intake)
- Phosphorus: 202 mg (20% of the recommended daily intake)
- Selenium: 20.9 mcg (30% of the recommended daily intake)
Health Benefits of Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is not only a great source of essential nutrients, but it also has a number of health benefits. Here are some of the ways that ground chicken can benefit your health:
Helps Build and Repair Muscle Tissue
As mentioned earlier, ground chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. If you are an athlete or someone who engages in regular physical activity, consuming ground chicken can help you recover faster from workouts and build more muscle.
Supports Immune Function
The vitamins and minerals found in ground chicken, such as vitamin B6 and selenium, are important for supporting immune function. By consuming ground chicken, you can help support your body's natural defences against illness and disease.
Helps Maintain Healthy Bones
Ground chicken is a good source of phosphorus, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Phosphorus is an important mineral that works in conjunction with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
May Aid in Weight Loss
As mentioned earlier, ground chicken is a low-calorie and low-fat food, which makes it a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Consuming ground chicken can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming excess calories or fat.
How to Incorporate Ground Chicken into Your Diet
Ground chicken can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. Here are some ideas for incorporating ground chicken into your diet:
- Use ground chicken as a substitute for ground beef in recipes like burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf.
- Add ground chicken to stir-fries, soups, and stews for added protein.
- Use ground chicken in place of ground beef in tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Make a healthy chicken chilli using ground chicken, beans, and veggies.
- Add ground chicken to pasta dishes for a protein boost.
- Conclusion
Ground chicken is a healthy and versatile protein source that can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. It is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. By incorporating ground chicken into your diet, you can reap the many health benefits it has to offer.
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