Determining whether soybean or chicken is "better" depends heavily on your specific dietary needs, health goals, and preferences, as both offer valuable nutrients. However, focusing on the protein content based on the provided information, cooked chicken breast offers a significantly higher amount of protein per 100 grams compared to cooked soybeans.
When comparing soybean and chicken from a nutritional standpoint, various factors come into play, including protein quality, fat content, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The provided reference specifically highlights protein content.
Protein Comparison
According to the information provided:
- Soybeans generally contain more protein than chicken. This is an initial assertion.
- However, the data presented gives specific amounts:
- Cooked soybeans contain about 16-18 grams of protein per 100 grams.
- Cooked chicken breast contains around 31 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Based on this specific data, cooked chicken breast provides nearly double the amount of protein per 100 grams compared to cooked soybeans.
Let's look at this protein data in a table for clarity:
| Food Item | Protein per 100g (Cooked) |
|---|---|
| Soybeans | 16-18 grams |
| Chicken Breast | ~31 grams |
This comparison shows that if your primary goal is to maximize protein intake per gram of food, cooked chicken breast is a more protein-dense option than cooked soybeans based on this specific data.
Beyond Protein
While protein quantity is an important factor, it's not the only one defining which food is "better."
- Soybeans are a complete plant-based protein source, also offering fiber, healthy fats, vitamins (like folate and Vitamin K), and minerals (such as iron, magnesium, and potassium). Their fiber content contributes to digestive health.
- Chicken, particularly lean cuts like breast, is also a complete protein source and a good source of niacin, Vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus. It contains less fiber than soybeans.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual dietary needs, such as requiring a plant-based option (soybeans) or incorporating lean animal protein (chicken). Both can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
