Is poultry a good source of protein?
Q. I have cut way down on red meat. But I still eat chicken a couple times per week. Do you consider chicken and turkey a healthy protein source?
A. I do consider chicken (and turkey) to be healthy protein sources. They have relatively low levels of saturated fat compared with red meat. Red meats include beef, lamb, and pork. Chicken and turkey also have a bit more unsaturated fat content, which in general is a healthier type of dietary fat.
So why is it a good idea to avoid saturated fat? Relative to the healthy fats, saturated fat intake increases heart attack and stroke risk. By "healthy fat," I mean the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat in olive oil and other vegetable oils.
Of course, how the chicken or turkey is cooked matters. For example, I surely don't consider processed chicken or turkey, chicken nuggets, or chicken fried in bacon fat healthy. Most chicken nuggets are coated with a batter that is made from processed white flour and contains lots of salt.
While chicken and turkey are healthy, I recommend you get most of your protein from fish and plant sources, such as beans and nuts. It's what is recommended in a Mediterranean-style diet. That's the diet associated with lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Image: © Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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