Octopus vs Chicken: A Healthy Food Comparison
Nutritional Showdown: Octopus vs. Chicken
Overall, chicken is healthier than octopus for most people. Chicken has more protein and fewer calories, making it a great choice for building muscle and losing weight. It also has no carbohydrates, which is good for low-carb diets. However, octopus has less cholesterol and is richer in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamins B12 and E. For those needing to watch their cholesterol or boost their vitamin intake, octopus is a good option.
Have you ever wondered about the difference in health nutrients between octopus vs chicken? I sure did. That’s why I decided to write this nutrient comparison guide. Octopus and chicken are both healthy food choices that I personally enjoy eating on a weekly basis.
While both have their own unique taste and texture, it’s important to understand which one is healthier for you.
In this article, we’ll be comparing octopus and chicken to see which one comes out on top in terms of dietary benefits. We’ll be looking at their nutrient content, health benefits, and drawbacks.
So, whether you’re a seafood lover or a fan of poultry, keep reading to find out which is the healthier choice.
Nutritional Comparison of Octopus and Chicken
First, let’s compare calories, proteins, fat, etc. In the following tables we compare their vitamins and mineral content for both octopus and chicken.
*Nutrition values of Chicken refer to chicken breast, grilled with skin.
| Octopus (100 g) | Chicken (100 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 226 | 206 |
| Protein (g) | 13.2 | 25.7 |
| Fat (g) | 13 | 10.6 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 13.4 | 0 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 43 | 95 |
Vitamin and Mineral Content: Octopus vs Chicken
Vitamins
In this table you can see how octopus vs chicken compares in terms of vitamin content.
| Octopus (100 g) | Chicken (100 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (µg) | 35 | 17 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 3 | 0 |
| Vitamin D (µg) | 0 | 0.1 |
| Vitamin E (mg) | 2.83 | 0.9 |
| Vitamin K (μg) | 13.1 | 2.7 |
| Thiamin (mg) | 0.165 | 0.07 |
| Riboflavin (mg) | 0.102 | 0.17 |
| Niacin (mg) | 2.54 | 8.53 |
| Vitamin B6 (mg) | 0.259 | 0.685 |
| Folate (μg) | 33 | 6 |
| Vitamin B12 (μg) | 13 | 0.17 |
| Choline (mg) | 56.3 | 63.2 |
Minerals
Here’s a table comparing the mineral content of octopus and chicken.
| Octopus (100 g) | Chicken (100 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium (mg) | 518 | 329 |
| Potassium (mg) | 290 | 292 |
| Calcium (mg) | 55 | 7 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 28 | 24 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 164 | 191 |
| Iron (mg) | 4.92 | 0.53 |
| Zinc (mg) | 1.43 | 0.87 |
What conclusions can we draw from the above data?
- Chicken has more protein than octopus and is a better choice for bodybuilders and those looking to lose weight, as it has fewer calories.
- Chicken is also better for people on a Keto diet as it has 0 carbohydrates.
- On the other hand, octopus has less cholesterol, making it a good option for those who need to keep an eye on their cholesterol levels.
- In terms of vitamins, octopus is the clear winner, as it has a better content of vitamins compared to chicken with only the exception of niacin, where chicken is significantly better.
- Finally, octopus has a higher content of minerals compared to chicken. It is worth emphasizing that octopus is packed with iron, compared to chicken.
Eating octopus side effects
Well, as with most things, eating octopus in moderation should not have any negative side effects. Octopus is a lean source of protein and contains several essential vitamins and minerals that are good for you.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to eating octopus.
- Allergic Reactions: First of all, some people may experience an allergic reaction to octopus. If you have a history of shellfish allergies, you may want to avoid eating octopus.
- High in Purines: Additionally, octopus is high in purines, which can cause problems for people with gout. If you have gout or a history of gout, you should limit your consumption of octopus.
☝️ Purines are compounds that are found in many foods, including some types of seafood, meat, and poultry. They are a natural part of the body’s metabolism and are used to create DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell function. When broken down, they produce uric acid. High uric acid levels can lead to gout, a painful form of arthritis.
- Hight in Sodium: Finally, octopus can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to limit your consumption of octopus.
All in all, eating octopus can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to be mindful of any individual health considerations you may have.
Cholesterol Levels in Octopus Compared to Chicken
When it comes to cholesterol levels, octopus is a healthier option compared to chicken. Octopus contains only 43 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams, while chicken has 95 mg per 100 grams – according to the data provided by USDA.
This makes octopus a better choice for those who need to monitor their cholesterol intake. Of course, don’t think that 95 mg per 100 grams in chicken is a lot. For the sake of this food comparison guide, octopus has less cholesterol, making it the lower-cholesterol option between the two.
Does octopus benefits testosterone?
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that octopus has a direct impact on testosterone levels. Testosterone levels are influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise habits, supplementation and overall health.
While octopus is a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet, it’s important to keep in mind that no single food has the power to significantly impact your hormone levels on its own.
A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods, along with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is the best way to keep your testosterone levels high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
So, to wrap things up, if you’re looking to build muscle and lose weight at the same time, chicken is the way to go. The reason is because it is high in protein and has a low calorie count.
However, if you’re looking for a healthier overall option, then octopus might be the choice for you, as it has less cholesterol and a higher content of vitamins and minerals compared to chicken.
Both foods have their own unique qualities and nutritional benefits, so it just comes down to what your individual needs and preferences are.
So, whether you’re trying to get ripped or just looking for a healthier option, both chicken and octopus can be part of a balanced and nutritious diet.
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