white meat better than dark meat?

White or dark meat?
(Image: Unsplash)

Especially in December, a meal is not complete without a good piece of meat. When you order a meat dish in a restaurant, you often get the question whether you want white or dark meat. Everyone has their preference, but which food is healthier? Many people think it’s white meat, but that’s debatable.

There is no ‘healthy’ option. So says Dong Ahn, a poultry researcher and professor in the department of animal sciences at Iowa State University. There are virtually no health differences between white and dark meat. However, many people prefer white meat because they are afraid of fats and try to avoid it at all costs. But in other parts of the world they prefer dark meat because this food is tastier.

Fats vs. taste

When people say that white meat is healthier than dark meat, they often refer to the saturated fat content. After all, there is a higher percentage of saturated fat in dark meat. But Ahn explains that this difference is actually very small. For example, a three-ounce serving of white meat contains about 125 calories and less than two grams of fat. Dark meat, on the other hand, contains 147 calories and five grams of fat. A difference of only three grams, so which form of nutrition you choose makes little difference.

A good piece of meat (Image: Unsplash)

So dark meat can have a slightly higher percentage of fat, but that is precisely why that food tastes better. Because fatty acids are exposed to high oven temperatures, new flavors are created that make dark meat tastier. Plus, dark meat is packed with beneficial nutrients.

Food is a matter of taste

If you really can’t choose between white and dark meat, Ahn has a tip for you: try both and choose the meat that you like best. There is no wrong choice, no matter which color is your favourite!

Did you see a mistake? Mail us. We are grateful.

Respond to article:

Nutrition according to science: white meat really better than dark meat?