Many people enjoy chicken drumsticks because of their succulent meat and crispy skin.
Whether you eat them as part of a meal or as a snack, it’s critical to be aware of their calorie level, especially if you’re tracking your daily intake.
In this article, we’ll look at the calorie count of chicken drumsticks and provide useful information to help you make healthy eating decisions.
How Many Calories In A Chicken Drumstick?
The calories count in a chicken drumstick is 149 calories, or 155 calories per 3.5 oz. (100 g) but it can vary depending on various aspects, including the size of the drumstick, how it’s cooked, and whether or not the skin is consumed.
The following is a general breakdown of the calorie content of several types of chicken drumsticks:
1. Uncooked Chicken Drumsticks
Uncooked chicken drumsticks, which normally weigh around 44 grams, have about 76 calories.
The protein and a minor amount of fat in raw chicken drumsticks provide the majority of the calories.
2. Roasted Chicken Drumsticks (Skin On)
Because of the extra fat, roasting chicken drumsticks with the skin on boosts their calorie count.
A roasted chicken drumstick (with skin) of the same size can have about 147 calories.
Roasting the chicken adds flavor and a crispy exterior layer, making it a popular cooking method.
3. Fried Chicken Drumsticks (Skin)
Fried chicken drumsticks are delicious, but they are higher in calories than other methods of cooking due to the oil required in frying.
One fried chicken drumstick (without skin) contains approximately 197 calories.
The deep-frying procedure increases the calories and fat content of the drumstick.
4. Roasted Skinless Chicken Drumsticks
The calorie content of the chicken drumstick is dramatically reduced when the skin is removed.
A skinless, roasted chicken drumstick has 76 calories, which is comparable to the calorie content of an uncooked drumstick.
This is a healthy alternative for individuals who want to cut calories while still enjoying the flavor of roasted chicken.
Other Nutritional Facts For Chicken Drumsticks
Carbs
A roasted chicken drumstick contains nearly no carbohydrates and about 0.1 grams of sugar.
Fats
A roasted chicken drumstick with skin has 8.2 grams of fat. There are 2 grams of saturated fat, 3.4 grams of monounsaturated fat, and 1.1 grams of polyunsaturated fat in that amount.
Protein
A single chicken drumstick contains 18.2 grams of protein.
Minerals And vitamins
A chicken drumstick contains 18.2 mcg of selenium or 33% of the dietary value (DV), and 4.2 mg of niacin, or 26% of the DV.
Health Advantages
High-protein foods, such as chicken, can have a variety of health benefits. Chicken’s minerals can also help with health.
Promotes Bone Health
According to new research, a dietary protein works with calcium to help protect bones.
Dietary protein is required for collagen production, which is required for bone formation. It also protects bone health and aids in fracture prevention.
Promotes Muscle Growth
When paired with an activity routine that includes strength training, protein helps your body increase muscle mass.
Protein can also help you maintain lean muscle mass, which is beneficial as you become older.
A 2016 study discovered that muscle mass and strength decreases are strongly related to mortality rates in the elderly.
May Reduce The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Selenium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as chicken. Some folks take selenium pills as well.
Scientists have discovered that it can protect cell membranes from free radical damage and keep blood platelets from sticking together.
Both of these disorders raise the risk of developing heart disease. However, experts are quick to remind out that research on the association between selenium and cardiovascular disease has yielded inconsistent results.
Reduces The Risk Of Thyroid Disease
To help control thyroid function, your body stores significant levels of selenium in the thyroid.
If you don’t get enough of the mineral, you’re more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
Researchers have found conflicting results when testing selenium supplementation, therefore getting enough selenium from diet is essential.
May Benefit Aging Cognitive Health
Chicken niacin may encourage better cognitive health as we age. According to medical specialists, niacin protects brain cells from stress and harm.
Furthermore, niacin insufficiency has been linked to cognitive deterioration such as memory loss and dementia.
At least one big study, encompassing 3,718 men and women, discovered that those who consumed the most niacin had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
The number of calories in a chicken drumstick can vary greatly based on factors such as size, cooking style, and whether or not the skin is consumed. If you’re watching your calorie consumption, it’s critical to keep these things in mind when enjoying this popular poultry option. Choosing skinless chicken drumsticks and healthy cooking methods such as roasting or grilling can help you enjoy them without drastically increasing your calorie count.
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