In the worst cases, as the “Autopsy of Chicken Nuggets” study showed, they can mostly contain fat and have little nutritional value. Some are also high in salt and sugar. Frequent consumption of fried foods has been linked to coronary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension.
Sonic Jumbo Popcorn Chicken
In addition to providing a good bit of protein, compared to other calorie counts featured on this list, a large order of Sonics Jumbo Popcorn Chicken seems like the gentlest offender—that is, until you take into account that it also contains 2,520 milligrams of sodium. That means eating just one large order—which amounts to roughly 10 measly popcorn chicken nuggets—can cause you to exceed your total daily recommended sodium limit by nearly 10%.
Although you might assume that downsizing to the medium or small might be an effective solution to your high-sodium woes, this situation, unfortunately, doesnt improve despite the smaller portion sizes. “A small order of Sonics Jumbo Popcorn Chicken contains 1,100 milligrams sodium, which is almost half the recommended daily value,” notes Lindsay Ducharme RD, CSR, LDN.
Jack in the Box Chicken Nuggets
“With 480 calories—nearly one-third of many peoples daily calorie requirement and half a days worth of fat (33 grams)—this small 10-piece serving is hardly a weight loss hopefuls ideal meal, and thats before you add a drink,” say the Nutrition Twins. “And that small serving can really leave you feeling bloated given that it packs 1,210 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly the daily 1,500 milligram-ideal sodium limit set by the American Heart Association, and thats before you add the dipping sauce. Theres no fiber, antioxidants, or redeeming qualities aside from the protein,” they add.
However, if you cant resist your hankering for these crispy chicky nuggs, the Twins offer a surefire plan to satisfy this craving and still have somewhat of a well-balanced meal. “To make the meal more nutrient-dense, split the nuggets with a friend and share a Grilled Chicken Salad to increase the antioxidants and to consume a little bit of fiber,” the Twins suggest.
“This meals sodium (1,680 milligrams) is through the roof, with more sodium in one serving than the American Heart Association recommends you should get in a day—1,500 milligrams [is the] ideal target,” say the Nutrition Twins. “And thats before you add the sodium from the dipping sauce! Although you do get 36 grams of protein, youll also get nearly 30% of the fat you should get all day, no fiber, and 490–660 calories, depending on which dipping sauce you use.”
“If you still want the nuggets,” the Twins advise, “split them with a couple of friends and order the Kentucky Fried Chicken Breast with double sides of green beans. Youll get antioxidants, fiber, and youll save your waistline by slashing as much as two-thirds of the calories in the nuggets.” This sounds like a win-win that would please both your belly and the Colonel.
Before You Eat Another Chicken Nugget, Watch This! – Dr.Berg
FAQ
How unhealthy is a chicken nugget?
Do healthy chicken nuggets exist?
Why are frozen chicken nuggets unhealthy?
Is 20 chicken nuggets unhealthy?
Are chicken nuggets unhealthy?
Nuggets can also be fried in hydrogenated oils, and they contain high amounts of preservatives, sugar, and fat. All of these ingredients make chicken nuggets very unhealthy, especially when eaten frequently. The truth about chicken nuggets is not nearly as golden as their battered exteriors might suggest.
Which nuts are not good for one’s health?
All nuts are nutritious foods rich in omega-3s, but they should be eaten in moderation because they are high in calories. In addition, they can also cause some side effects if consumed by allergic people, such as rashes, bloating, diarrhea and weight gain.
Are chicken nuggets healthy?
This is because the main component of the chicken nugget is not chicken. It is not lean, healthy meat, but a by-product that has less than 50% actual meat. Any given brand can have numerous chicken components in an unknown carrier suspension. The websites of some major fast-food chains try to claim their nuggets are “healthier” than the norm.
Are chicken nuggets real?
Some claim the term chicken nugget is false advertising and that “fat” nugget might be more accurate. At best, most samplings are 50% meat. Under a microscope in a study, a nugget sample was seen to only have 40% meat, and of that meat, only 19% was protein.