Is Chicken Breast a Healthy Choice?

Chicken breast is often considered a healthy protein option due to its high nutrient content and low saturated fat levels. A 3.5-ounce serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast contains about 160 calories and 32 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of protein on a per-calorie basis.

According to experts, the entire body is built from protein, which is essential for repairing cells, producing enzymes that keep systems running, and making antibodies that fight disease. Chicken breast also contains more than half the recommended daily amount of vitamin B3 and over 70 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin B6.

What’s more, chicken breast has been shown to support heart health due to its low saturated fat content and high levels of oleic and linoleic acids. However, it’s essential to note that simply adding more chicken to your diet won’t necessarily reduce your risk of heart disease. Substituting chicken for red and processed meats might be beneficial.

When it comes to cooking methods, experts recommend sticking with lower-fat options like baking, grilling, poaching, or air frying to preserve chicken’s heart health benefits. The breast is not the only part of the chicken worth eating; dark meat cuts have higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals.

By incorporating chicken breast into your diet, you can reap its numerous health benefits while also reducing your risk of heart disease and maintaining overall well-being.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/well/eat/chicken-breast-health-benefits-recipes.html