Health-conscious dieters often avoid red meat in their meals, preferring to eat seafood or white meat instead. When referring to white meat, two animals come to mind, the turkey and the chicken. One might be curious about which of the two is the better white meat, and which one would be healthier.

Nutritional Difference

When it comes to breast meat that has been boiled or fried, chicken has about twice the calories of turkey. It also has a little more fat than turkey. However, chicken has greater protein content than turkey. Chicken has about twice the amount of protein that turkey has. Thus, if you prefer eating fried foods, you might want to stick with turkey. However, if you are on a high-protein diet, you can stick with chicken.

When it comes to the liver part, chicken liver has half the calories than turkey liver. It also has less fat, about a third of it. Generally, a chicken has a higher fat and calorie content than a turkey, in addition to the higher protein content.

Preparation is Key

There is very little difference in the nutritional values of turkey and chicken. If there is a considerable difference, it is mainly because of how the meat has been prepared. In addition, it would not matter which of the two meats are better if only small amounts of it are consumed. However, if white meat is constantly present in every meal, you will have to consider each meat carefully according to its more detailed nutritional facts. Consulting with a nutritionist about which meat will be best for you will be a wise move.

Nutritional Values

A 3-oz. turkey breast generally has 90 calories, 10 calories of it coming from fat. It also contains about 14 grams of protein, 260 micrograms each of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. As for vitamins and minerals, turkey breast contains vitamin B-complex, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, selenium, potassium, iron and copper.

A 3-oz. chicken breast normally contains 165 calories, 35 calories of it from fat. It also contains about 26 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat (a gram of it being saturated fat), 500 micrograms of omega-6 fatty acids and 65 micrograms of omega-3 fatty acids. As for vitamin and minerals, chicken breast contains vitamin B-complex, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc and sodium.

So Which One is Healthier?

Both chicken and turkey are healthy for the body, as long as they are prepared in a healthy manner. Getting rid of its skin and eating only the white meat, not adding gravy or sauces, will be the most ideal way of eating both. If eaten this way, there will almost be no distinction as to which meat is healthier.