Paneer and chicken are both excellent protein sources, packed with nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which can help regulate and lower high blood pressure. However, chicken also offers numerous health benefits. So, which one should you incorporate into your diet: paneer or chicken? But first, let’s understand what you need to consider when trying to lose weight!
Protein is a crucial factor in your weight loss journey. It assists in:
Feeling satiated: Foods rich in protein can help you feel full and reduce the likelihood of feeling hungry. Protein increases satiety hormones, like glucagon-like peptide- 1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK), and decreases the hunger hormone ghrelin. Calorie burning: Your body burns calories while digesting and metabolising protein. Studies show that about 20-30% of protein calories are burned during protein digestion. Metabolism boost: A high-protein diet can increase metabolism as proteins have a higher thermic effect. Weight maintenance: Maintaining weight is often more challenging than losing it. A study found that increasing protein intake from 15% to 18% of daily calories reduced weight regain after weight loss by 50%.
The real dilemma: Paneer or chicken? Both are high in protein, but it’s essential to know their protein content. 100 grams of paneer provides 18 grams of protein, while the same amount of chicken offers 27 grams.
Also, 100 grams of paneer contains 22 grams of fat, while 70 grams of chicken has 3 grams of fat. It’s worth noting that 60% of the fat in paneer is saturated, which can lead to heart diseases and stroke by raising bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Both paneer and chicken have negligible carbohydrates. In terms of calories, 100 grams of paneer has between 265 to 320 calories, while 100 grams of chicken has 165 calories.
So, what should we eat? The debate over whether paneer or chicken is better is ongoing! It largely depends on your dietary preferences. If you’re aiming for fewer calories, opt for chicken. Consider other factors such as the amount of saturated fat and protein you’ll be consuming. Digestion is also a key factor! While paneer is easy to digest, chicken may take longer. If you’re a vegetarian, paneer could be a good choice if you’re trying to lose weight.
