Fish Vs. Chicken: Which One is Healthier?

Both fish and chicken are known to be consumed for their high protein value. They both are nutritious foods. However, the answer also depends on which type of fish is more nutritious and which cut of chicken has a higher nutrition value.

So let us go through the factors one by one and find out the answer.

Which one has a higher calorie count?

On comparing 100gms of both fish and chicken, it was found that fish has a calorie count of 188, while chicken gives you about 165 calories.

Salmon and Tuna are some of the fishes with a higher calorie count than your average fish. Frying increases the number of fats in your food, like in fried fish and chicken nuggets, you will consume higher calories and fats. It also depends on which part of the chicken and fish you are consuming.

Protein Value

Every other person on diet looks forward to fish and chicken to fulfill their protein needs. Both chicken and fish are good sources of protein however, the question remains which one has the higher amount of protein. An average can of Tuna provides you with 42g of protein, while 100g of chicken leaves you with about 21g of it.

Comparing Vitamins in Fish and Chicken

Both fish and chicken are good sources of Vitamin B, which helps the body turn food into energy. Salmon beats chicken in terms of providing folic acid, which is important for the body for maintaining nerve health and for replenishing red blood cells. A single serving of fish provides you with 179% of the required intake. On the other hand, roasted chicken is the winner of providing 74% of the daily intake value, which is twice what a fish provides. Salmons supersedes every other fish and chicken by providing almost half the amount of your daily intake value of Vitamin D. No other food has such a high amount of Vitamin D.

Additional Fish Benefits         

Fish has some additional benefits. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel have high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids such as (DHA and EDA). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the body as they help in maintaining brain health and are also beneficial for maintaining cardiac health and preventing heart diseases and strokes.

Things to keep in mind before buying fish and Chicken

Some fish are contaminated with mercury and neurotoxins such as mackerel and sharks. So, it is best in health to avoid eating them, however, salmon, cod, and sardines are some of the fishes which are safer to eat.

On the other hand, buying chicken without its skin or taking its skin off before cooking, reduces the amounts of saturated fats found in them.