How chicken breast benefits your body

All cuts of chicken are great for you, but on a number of metrics, the humble breast takes top prize.

- Isobel Whitcomb

NEW YORK -

Along with containing nutrients that are involved in repairing the body's tissues, building immunity and boosting energy, chicken breast is lower in saturated fat than thighs, legs and wings, making it a smart choice for people concerned about their heart health.

Here are a few ways that chicken breast benefits your body.

IT IS ONE OF THE BEST FOOD SOURCES OF PROTEIN

On a per-calorie basis, there are not many whole foods richer in protein than chicken breast.

"You'd have to eat protein powder to get more protein," said Dr. Dave Bridges, a biochemist and associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan.

There are no carbohydrates and little fat in chicken breast, especially if you remove the skin, said Dr. Heidi Silver, director of the Diet, Body Composition and Metabolism Core at Vanderbilt University.