White meatThe debate about whether to go for a chicken breast (White meat) or a juicy drumstick (Dark meat) has sparked passion in the hearts of all non-vegetarians. The two types of muscle fibres found in chicken, ducks, and turkeys -white meat vs dark meat- are similar in many ways but not the same. Both have their respective myths associated with each other, stirring confusion and doubt in people’s minds. Let’s compare both and weigh their respective pros and cons.
White Meat
Usually labelled as a healthier option out of the two, white meat is the light-coloured muscle found in certain animals like poultry and fish, which are traditionally labelled as a healthier option out of the two. It gets its white colour due to its low myoglobin content, a protein responsible for storing oxygen in the muscles; the lower the myoglobin in the muscle, the lighter it appears to be. The most common and popular source of white meat is chicken, which typically has 60 to 65 per cent white meat, while others like turkey and quail contain around 50 to 55 per cent white meat, while animals like rabbits contain 95 per cent white meat.
White meat is found in the breast and wings of chicken . It is composed of fast twitch muscle fibres, also called the Type 2 muscle fibres. These types of muscle fibres are typically designed for short bursts of activity like flapping of wings. As they don’t require a continuous oxygen supply, they don’t need much myoglobin.
Dark Meat
Dark meat is found in the legs and thighs of poultry, typically muscles that are used for walking or standing; these muscles require more oxygen and endurance. They contain a high amount of myoglobin content, which gives them a darker or reddish-brown colour. Myoglobin helps store oxygen in these muscles, which is important for performing all types od endurance activities. These muscle fibres are mostly made up of slow twitch muscles, also known as type 1 fibres. These fibres are designed for long-duration activities that require a more constant oxygen supply. Animals like duck and goose are primarily made up of dark meat that is less than 10 per cent of their meat is dark meat due to the constant need to swim and fly
Which is healthier: Nutritional Facts
Many people fall to the myth because white meat has less fat content and is expensive, that means it is a better and a healthier choice. This statement is not entirely true. (chicken breast) is naturally lean and has a lower amount of calories, which is 165 calories, compared to 205 kcal of dark meat(chicken thigh), while giving more protein, which is 31 gm of protein compared to 27.4 gm of the latter. It doesn’t mean dark meat has less to offer compared to white meat; it typically contains more iron content, which is 1.3mg compared to 0.4 mg in white meat.
It also has more amount of zinc, which is 2.4mg vs .04mg in white meat. Dark meat does get a bad rap due to it being high in fat and sodium content, but it gives a complete profile of nutrients compared to white meat due to having a high quantity of zinc, iron, omega three and selenium. It is also a better alternative for endurance and energy and helps store more oxygen for long-term energy activities. Unsaturated fats in dark meat help reduce bad cholesterol and also support your heart health in a longer run.
Taste and cooking
One place where dark meat wins over white meat in the debate on dark meat vs white meat is its popularity and preference among culinary lovers.
“Dark meat is the secret weapon in kitchens—it costs less, tastes better, and cooks beautifully.” – Massimo Bottura, 3-Michelin-star chef.
It is highly versatile in cooking; it works well in either way, be it heat grilling, slow cooking or be it braising .chicken thighs and drumsticks, compared to chicken breast, stay moist longer and dark meat overall is more forgiving than white meat, which tends to dry out faster. White meat turns into a more dry and chewy mess if it gets overcooked, even for a few minutes.
“If you want to experience the best chicken dishes worldwide, you’ll find chefs using dark meat—not white meat!” – Anthony Bourdain.
The verdict
Whether white meat is better or dark meat is a wrong question all together .As it all boils down to personal choice of someone both these meat have their respective advantages and disadvantages .
Someone who prioritize a more lean source of protein with comparatively low amount of calories and low sodium quantity choose white part of the meat such as chicken breast .
Whereas if you want a more balanced diet and full nutritional profile choose dark meat
If your goal is weight loss and want decrease those inches in your belly choose white meat
If you prefer something more economical and easy to cook choose Dark meat.
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