This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
It’s easy to eat chicken every day and feel good about it.
Shutterstock
But don’t give credit to those grammatically challenged cows in the Chik-fil-A ads.
Chicken is agreat source of proteinfor a lot of reasons.
Health:Back in the 1980s, doctors warned against eating too much saturated fat in red meat.
Shutterstock
Cost:Chicken is relatively cheap.
Here’s what can happen to your body if you do.
You may lose weight.
Shutterstock
Pair chicken with the11 Healthiest Drinks for Weight Lossto shrink your waistline in no time.
You may gain weight.
Chicken isn’t special.
Shutterstock
And calories add up.
Wondering if you’ll suffer the consequences?
Don’t miss theseWarning Signs You’re Eating Too Much Protein.
Shutterstock
You’ll build muscle.
How much chicken protein do you gotta get the job done?
You’re eating more fat than you think you are.
Shutterstock
Maybe you’re eating less red meat and more poultry because it’s lower in saturated fats.
A four-ounce serving of chicken packs 17 grams of total fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat.
You may consume more sodium than you should.
Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock
You may develop cardiovascular disease.
But what about poultry and other unprocessed meats?
The people did not have heart disease at the start of those studies.
Shutterstock
One thing to note: The researchers did not determine how the chicken was prepared.
You may suffer food poisoning.
If you’re eating a lot of chicken, chances are you may get careless about proper prep.
Shutterstock
About a million Americans do every year.
Also, use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165F.
You may get constipated.
Shutterstock
High protein diets that restrict these healthy carbohydratesare typically low in fiber.
And increase your water intake if you are eating a lot of protein.
For help, see these20 Easy Ways to Add Fiber to Your Diet.
Shutterstock
You might increase your risk of cancer.
You might feel a bit guilty.
Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock
