🐔 How Healthy Is Chicken Breast? Here’s What You Should Know
- Student Support
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
When it comes to clean, lean protein, chicken breast is a top choice. It’s low in fat, packed with nutrients, and delivers one of the highest protein contents per calorie among whole foods.
Whether you're focused on muscle building, heart health, or simply eating clean, here’s why this humble cut of chicken deserves a place on your plate.
1. Chicken Breast Is a Powerhouse of Protein
If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-calorie food, skinless chicken breast is hard to beat.
A 99g serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast provides:
160 calories
32g of protein
Almost zero carbs and minimal fat (about 1g of saturated fat)
💬 “You’d have to use protein powder to get more protein per calorie,” says Dr Dave Bridges, a nutritional sciences professor at the University of Michigan.
Compared to other protein-rich foods like farmed salmon (which offers ~22g of protein and 206 calories per 99g), chicken breast clearly wins in the lean protein category.
2. It’s Heart-Friendly
Chicken breast is naturally low in saturated fat, which is a major plus for cardiovascular health.
According to experts, replacing fatty meats like bacon or processed sausages with chicken can help reduce heart disease risk.
3. Rich in Brain-Boosting B Vitamins
Chicken breast is a great source of B vitamins, especially:
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – supports skin, digestion, and energy metabolism
Vitamin B6 – vital for brain function and immune health
These vitamins play a crucial role in producing:
Dopamine
Serotonin
Melatonin
These brain chemicals regulate mood, memory, and sleep. Without enough B vitamins, we may experience fatigue, poor focus, and mental fog.
💡 Fun fact: B vitamins also support DNA repair and help convert food into usable energy.
Whether you’re managing weight, building strength, or improving heart health, chicken breast is a smart, versatile protein to include in your meals.
Its high protein content, low saturated fat, and rich vitamin profile make it one of the healthiest animal proteins available.