Chicken, Sirloin or Porkchop- Which is Healthiest? (2024)

Chicken, Sirloin or Porkchop- Which is Healthiest? (1)I received this question from my friend Amy who I used to work with in Pittsburgh:

“So if I had 6 oz of chicken breast (boneless), 6 oz of beef (sirloin), and a 6 oz pork chop (boneless), trimmed the fat off of each and cooked them all on the Foreman grill – which would be the healthiest, and which would be the least healthy?”

This is a great question and there are several things to consider, but let’s take a look at how they compare in calories and fat since all these choices are high in protein.

  • 6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast is 165 calories, with 3 grams of fat (0 g saturated fat)
  • 6 ounces of boneless trimmed pork chop is around 200 calories, with a total of 3 grams of fat (1 g saturated fat)
  • 6 ounces of the beef sirloin has around 270 calories, with a total of 16 grams of fat (6 g saturated fat)

The Short Answer

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn’t contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second.

But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference. New studies also show that eating a diet high in saturated fat causes the release of a stress hormone called “cortisol” which causes fat to be stored around the belly.

So What About The Beef?

I love beef, I won’t deny it and it’s a very good source of iron. However, see how the sirloin compares to the chicken and pork? It’s high in overall fat and high in the “bad kind” or saturated fat. Medical experts say to limit your saturated fat intake to 20 grams daily (or under 15 g if you have risk for heart disease).

So in this case, 6 grams might seem ok, but remember that packaged crackers and chips, cheese and other dairy (even the low fat kind), and other processed foods eaten in combination with that meat can put you well over the limit in just one meal.

What’s the solution? Eat a smaller piece of beef and enjoy it only on occasion. Or try to choose leaner cuts of beef.

Chicken, Sirloin or Porkchop- Which is Healthiest? (2024)

FAQs

Chicken, Sirloin or Porkchop- Which is Healthiest? ›

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn't contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second. But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference.

Is sirloin or chicken healthier? ›

Compared to beef, chicken is a better source of protein. As a result of its high-fat content, beef is a higher fat and higher calorie meat. Chicken has more vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, B3, and B5. However, beef is significantly higher in folate and vitamin B12.

What is healthier, pork loin or chicken breast? ›

Pork tenderloin is slightly higher in calories and fat compared to chicken breast, but the difference is minimal. When cooked without extra fats, both can fit well into a low-calorie, high-protein diet. Cholesterol levels in meats have often been a concern for heart health.

What is the healthiest type of meat? ›

Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat

An excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, skinless turkey, is one of the best lean proteins to add to your meals. The nutrients found in skinless turkey meat can help support heart health, energy levels, brain function, digestion, and other bodily processes.

Which is healthier steak or pork chops? ›

Is pork worse than beef? Both pork and beef are high in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, beef tends to have more calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol than pork. Pork may be a better choice, then, if you're trying to manage your blood cholesterol levels.

Are pork chops healthier than chicken? ›

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn't contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second. But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference.

Which is higher in cholesterol, chicken or pork? ›

A serving of lean pork has 34 percent less cholesterol than skinless chicken, according to recent research at the University of Wisconsin. Most cuts of pork contain less than 200 calories per three-ounce cooked serving.

What meat is most unhealthiest? ›

Hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and regular ground beef should be avoided or consumed sparingly due to their high fat, calorie, and sodium content, and potential health risks. By using this ranking system, you can make informed choices about the meats you eat and maintain a healthy diet.

Are pork chops healthy? ›

Pork chops are an easy-to-cook lean red meat. They offer important nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron that support everyday body functions and can be helpful in losing weight. Because pork chops are considered red meat, you should be mindful of how frequently you eat them.

What meat is okay to eat every day? ›

These include chicken and turkey breasts, pork tenderloin, and beef eye and top round, top sirloin, flank steak, ground beef, and tenderloin. Lean meats are rich in protein, a vital nutrient for building and maintaining muscles and tissues. They also provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, not just saturated fat.

Why do Muslims not eat pork? ›

The pig is considered an unclean animal as food in Judaism and Islam, and parts of Christianity. Although Christianity is also an Abrahamic religion, most of its adherents do not follow these aspects of Mosaic law and do consume its meat.

What is the healthiest cut of pork chop? ›

If you're looking for the healthiest pork options, you want lean cuts -- tenderloin, loin chops and sirloin roast. Bacon and other fatty cuts are very high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol and not for everyday eating.

What meat is healthier than pork? ›

The fat profile of lean cuts of beef, especially those from grass-fed cattle, can be healthier and include advantageous omega-3 fatty acids. You can reduce the saturated fat content of pork by selecting lean cuts, such as tenderloin and loin chops. Choose tenderloin and sirloin beef to minimize saturated fat content.

Is sirloin the healthiest cut? ›

Stick with round, sirloin, or loin.

These cuts of meat are typically less fatty than others. The National Cattleman's Beef Association top five lean cuts are: Eye of round – 1.4 g saturated fat, 4 g total fat. Sirloin tip side steak – 1.6 g saturated fat, 4.1 g total fat.

Is chicken or steak better for fat loss? ›

Chicken is high in protein and lower in fat compared to other animal sources like beef. When we think chicken, we often refer to white meat. The white meat, primarily chicken breast, is a wonderful addition for people who want a low-fat, high-protein diet.

What meat is healthier than chicken? ›

Lean beef (defined by government guidelines as having less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams or less saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3.5 ounces) can be healthier than chicken, fish - or tofu (bean curd) for that matter - depending on how much is eaten and how it's prepared.

What is the healthiest cut of chicken? ›

Darker cuts like the thigh and drumstick contain higher caloric content than lighter cuts like the breast. Keeping the skin or frying chicken will also add saturated fat. If you're switching out red meat for chicken, you'll want to stick with chicken breast, as it's the healthiest cut of the bird.

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