People have been eating both chicken and lamb for centuries. Both meats are high in protein, iron, zinc, and other nutrients. However, there are some differences between them. Even though both of these meats offer a lot of benefits, one may be better for you than the other.
Keep reading to find out when you should eat chicken or lamb instead. When it comes to nutrition, both chicken and lamb are fairly similar with regard to calories, fat, protein and iron content per serving size.
However, there are still some noticeable differences between the two meats that may impact your decision one way or another. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of chicken vs lamb so that you can make an informed decision on which is right for you.
Pros of Eating Chicken
One of the major benefits of eating chicken is that it is far less expensive than lamb. Most people find that chicken is more budget-friendly and is easily accessible for most people.
Chicken is also very easy to cook and can be baked, grilled, or fried. If you are looking for more protein in your diet, chicken is the way to go.
Most people find that eating chicken a couple times a week will give them just the right amount of protein they need. Another great reason to eat chicken is that it is low in saturated fat. Eating low fat protein like chicken helps to lower your risk of heart disease.
Pros of Eating Lamb
Health Benefits of Lamb – Lamb is very nutrient-dense and a great source of protein. It is also low in fat and cholesterol. Lamb is packed with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, B vitamins, and selenium.
Lamb is much richer in flavor than chicken and can be used in a variety of different dishes, including ones that call for chicken. Lamb is also a very healthy meat and is higher in protein than chicken. If you eat lamb regularly, you can expect to see better bone health, stronger muscles, and healthier skin.
Cons of Eating Chicken
While chicken is a great source of protein, it doesn’t contain as many vitamins and minerals as other meats. A 3-ounce serving of roasted chicken breast contains about 30 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and about 80 mg of cholesterol. If you are trying to reduce the amount of red meat you eat, chicken is a good alternative. However, for overall health, it is best to eat a variety of different meats, including chicken.
Cons of Eating Lamb
If you are trying to eat less red meat, lamb may not be a good choice for you. Lamb is a very fatty meat and has even higher cholesterol levels than chicken. Eating excessive amounts of lamb may increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Lamb is also high in sodium and can negatively impact your blood pressure if you eat too much. Lamb is also a very expensive meat and may be out of reach for some people. Due to the high price of lamb, it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.
Final Words
It is important to note that the health benefits listed above are not specific to one type of meat. Both chicken and lamb are great sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The difference is that the amounts of each nutrient vary between the two. Choosing which one is better for you really comes down to your own personal preferences and lifestyle. If you are watching your cholesterol, eating less red meat, or on a budget, chicken is a great choice for you. If you like the taste of lamb, it is also a good option for you.