Meat "reigns" in the cold season thanks to its protein content equal to fish and cheaper price than beef

(Dan Tri) - This familiar, low-cost, high-protein meat is gradually becoming the choice of many families during cold days.

In many families, when the weather turns cold, the need to boost energy and supplement protein is often associated with beef or fish. Beef is considered a high-energy food, while fish stands out for its easily absorbed protein.

However, nutritional data shows that chicken also meets both of these requirements well. With a price only one-third that of beef, a protein content close to that of white fish, and a softer texture than pork, chicken becomes a reasonable choice for daily meals during the winter.

Breaking the stereotype that nutritious food has to be expensive.

With beef prices remaining high and pork prices fluctuating frequently due to supply and demand, chicken has become a more stable option over the years.

At markets, chicken prices vary considerably depending on the breed and farming method. Industrially raised chickens typically cost between 40,000 and 60,000 VND/kg. Free-range chickens usually range from 50,000 to 70,000 VND/kg, while native chickens can reach 120,000 to 150,000 VND/kg.

Chicken prices range from 40,000 to 150,000 VND/kg depending on the breed and farming methods (Photo: Getty).

Despite the differences between the types, the price of chicken meat is generally more accessible than that of red meat.

This stability reflects the unique characteristics of the poultry industry. Modern intensive farming models have shortened the broiler chicken rearing cycle to 40-50 days. The feed conversion ratio is as high as 1.6:1 (meaning that for every 1.6 kg of feed, 1 kg of weight gain is achieved), much lower than the 6:1 and 3:1 ratios of cattle and pigs.

Reports from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization have consistently noted that poultry is the most efficient feed conversion group in the livestock industry. This figure is significantly lower than that of cattle or pigs, which require larger amounts of feed and longer growth periods.

With low breeding costs and short harvesting times, selling prices remain stable even when the market is affected by supply fluctuations.

From a consumer perspective, this difference is very evident in family meals. With the money spent on 500g of beef, many families could buy a whole chicken to prepare 2-3 different dishes. This is why chicken is often considered a cost-effective option, especially during periods of continuously rising food prices.

Complete nutrition

The nutritional value of chicken is often underestimated compared to other red meats, while analytical data suggests the opposite.

A 100g serving of chicken breast provides 24.6g of protein and only about 1.2g of fat. This is a high protein but low fat content, suitable for athletes and those who need to maintain a healthy weight.

The amino acid composition of chicken breast is similar to the body's needs, and its digestibility is approximately 94%, higher than the 89% of beef. Therefore, the body absorbs and utilizes this protein more easily.

Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat, making it a popular choice for athletes and those looking to maintain a healthy weight (Photo: Getty).

Chicken is also an important source of selenium in the diet. For the same weight of 100g, chicken contains approximately 12.4µg of selenium, which is twice as much as pork.

The nutritional value of chicken meat lies not only in the breast, but each part has its own characteristics and contributes different micronutrients to the meal.

Pork leg meat is a natural source of iron, containing approximately 1.3mg of iron per 100g. When consumed with foods rich in vitamin C, iron absorption is increased, which is beneficial for those at risk of anemia.

Chicken liver is particularly notable for its vitamin A content. The amount of vitamin A in chicken liver is much higher than in many other common foods, even about 25 times higher than in milk by weight.

This versatility is what gives chicken its advantage in daily nutrition. A single chicken can meet many different needs, from providing easily digestible protein for young children to supplying micronutrients for the elderly. With the ability to combine many parts for various dishes, chicken offers a flexibility not found in other types of meat.

A double gift: protecting the environment and health.

Choosing chicken is not only an economic decision but also an act of environmental protection. Data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization shows that producing 1 kg of chicken releases only 1/9 the amount of greenhouse gases and 1/3 the amount of water compared to beef.

Poultry meat is considered to have low emissions, aligning with the low-emission eating trend in many countries (Photo: Getty).

These figures explain why poultry is classified by many experts as a low-carbon protein. With many countries encouraging low-emission diets, the trend of reducing red meat consumption and increasing poultry consumption has become widely accepted.

For middle-class families who value quality of life, choosing to consume chicken can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.5 tons per year, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of planting 80 pine trees.

The quality of chicken meat on the market has also improved thanks to upgrades in the supply chain. A traceability system ensures tight control from the farming stage to the point where the product is sold in supermarkets. Cold chain technology is more widely applied, allowing fresh chicken meat to be delivered to many provinces and cities within 48 hours while maintaining safety and freshness.

When the cold weather returns, a meticulously prepared chicken dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides comprehensive nutrition for your body during the winter, while also demonstrating your commitment to sustainable living and environmental protection.

Nutritious food is sometimes not the most expensive dish, but the one that best suits the body and the lifestyle that each family aspires to.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/loai-thit-len-ngoi-mua-lanh-nho-giau-dam-ngang-ca-gia-re-hon-thit-bo-20251209182012249.htm