Calories in Chicken Drumsticks - Nutrition Facts
If you are a fan of chicken dishes, then chicken drumsticks can be some of the best choices to make for pleasing crowds in a party or in a family gathering. These drumsticks can be a fun meal to cook and grill at a backyard barbecue or to make tasty, juicy, flavorful, and budget-friendly protein sources.
This article will help you understand whether chicken drumsticks are mere protein sources or they can affect your health. Read the article till the end to know the calorie content in chicken drumsticks, the nutritional components present in them, the pros and cons of chicken drumsticks, and other details.
Calorie content in chicken drumsticks:
The amounts of calories that are present in chicken drumsticks will depend on a number of factors such as follows:
l The size of the chicken
l The number of drumsticks that you consume
l Whether you are making the drumsticks with or without the skin on the chicken pieces
l The ingredients used while making the chicken drumsticks.
It is also important to note that since chicken drumsticks are usually classified as dark meat, they may contain more oxygen-binding proteins such as myoglobin that can provide you with a slightly higher fat content.
On an average, each serving of cooked and roasted chicken drumstick meat weighing around 3 ounces (roughly 80 to 85 grams) may contain 180 kcal of calories approximately, if you are cooking the chicken with its skin on. Without the fatty skin, the same portion size of chicken drumsticks may contain around 150 kcal of calories. Most of these calories are derived from the fat content in the meat.
Nutritional components in chicken drumsticks:
Any dish made of chicken will provide you with enough nutrients that are required for healthy physiological functions. Protein is the most common nutrient that you may get from chicken. But chicken drumsticks are
usually fast foods, so expect more fats and other elements from this dish. Here is a complete list of the major nutritional elements in 3-ounce serving of chicken drumsticks along with an approximate measure of the amounts of nutrients present:
Nutrient Skinless Drumstick Skin - On Drumstick
Protein 24 grams 22 grams
Total Fat 6 grams 10 grams
Saturated Fat 1.5 grams 3 grams
Carbohydrates 0 grams 0 grams
Apart from these macro-nutrients, chicken drumsticks can also contain enough micro-nutrients, such as Zinc, Iron, and vitamin B complex (especially B12 and niacin).
What are the pros and cons of having chicken drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks can provide you with some nutrients, especially protein, but being a fast food, these drumsticks can have negative impact on your health if consumed in higher amounts or frequently. Here is a complete list of the pros and cons of having chicken drumsticks:
Pros:
1. High quality protein:
You will get a complete protein source from chicken drumsticks, which can contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and cell growth.
2. Budget-friendly:
Chicken drumsticks can provide you with a pocket-friendly option of having a hearty meal that is rich in nutrients and protein.
3. Filling and easy to cook:
Chicken drumsticks are not only easy to roast, but these drumsticks can make you stay full for longer duration by providing satiety. This can help to reduce the chances of frequent snacking or binge eating.
Cons:
1. High in calorie content
2. The seasonings in drumsticks can cause digestive problems
3. Increased chances of developing obesity and bad cholesterol levels
4. High in saturated fat content
5. High bone-to-meat ration.
Which doctor to consult before having chicken drumsticks?
Though occasional intake of chicken drumsticks can be actually healthy, if you are really worried about how your health and wellness being affected by the ingredients in chicken drumsticks, you must consult with a registered nutritionist expert or a dietitian . This is because, consulting a specialist will give you a detailed idea regarding the portion size of you’re the drumsticks intake, how frequently you can have this dish, and other details.
Final Thoughts:
Chicken drumsticks can be a delicious and a healthy snack option as well. These drumsticks are some of the richest sources of protein. Alongside, having chicken drumsticks can provide you with enough nutritional components as well, including vital vitamins and minerals. But it is important to be mindful of your total portion intake as they are high in calorie and fat content.
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