Non-vegetarian food such as chicken and mutton (meat) are great sources of protein and a must for those involved in body-building. However, which of the two is a healthier option? Let’s find out.
Chicken falls in the category of white meat whereas mutton is red meat; while both are rich in proteins, doctors usually recommend avoiding red meat as its high in cholesterol and often linked to heart diseases.
Let’s take a quick look at the nutrition value of both, and which is better for weight loss diet.
Protein
Both white meat (chicken) and red meat (mutton) offer the same amount of protein; both offer around 25-30 grams protein, per 100 grams.
Vitamins & Minerals
Both are abundantly rich in vitamins – B2, B3, B5 and B6. Vitamins are vital for the basic functioning of the human body. Red meat is significantly higher in Vitamin B12.
White meat is rich in selenium (important for cognitive ability as well as cardiovascular health) and red meat is a great source of zinc. Both types of meat have phosphorous and calcium in abundance.
Fat content
This is where white meat fares better compared to red meat. While chicken contains 14 grams of fat per 100 gram, lamb (mutton) contains 20 grams of fat per 100 grams serving. White meat also has higher amount of omega 3 fatty acid.
Heart health
As per research, mutton (red meat) has more saturated fats which is bad for the heart.
Carcinogenic agent
As per WHO (World Health Organisation), red meat is a cancer-causing food and consuming high amounts of red meat (mutton) increases the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
So to sum it up, while both red meat (mutton) and white meat (chicken) are rich in nutrients, white meat is a healthier option and recommended for weight loss.
Eating Chicken at Roadside Joints Not ‘Healthy’
Chicken is not only the favorite food for many, its also a great source of protein. However, eating your favourite chicken curry at the roadside (a favorite of many) may not be a healthy option after all.
Several cases of food poisoning has been reported due to lack of hygiene at meat vendors.
A study carried out by department of livestock production technology, Mumbai Veterinary College found meat bought from the wet market full of microbes that cause a range of illnesses.
The list includes minor skin infections from pimples, impetigo, boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome and abscesses to life-threatening diseases. Up to 80% meat showed presence of E.coli, a bacteria which may cause diarrhoea.
But in some cases, it may also cause life-threatening kidney or liver damage.
So the next time you eat (or order) meat/chicken, make sure its cooked under hygienic conditions.
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