Protein is essential for the body to build muscle, recover cells, boost immunity and help maintain good body shape. The body obtains proteins and amino acids mainly through a well-balanced diet. Dietitians and health experts say you need 0.8 grams of protein per body weight daily to keep your body functioning properly. Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sources of protein. In addition, it contains less fat than other meats. Chicken also contains the essential B vitamins selenium and choline. However, is it healthy to eat chicken every day? Here are some of the risks of eating chicken regularly.

Increases risk of heart disease
Although chicken contains less fat than red meat, the former contains saturated fat. So, eating chicken every day could lead to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the risk of heart disease is 60% higher in those who eat animal-based proteins than in those who eat plant-based proteins like legumes and grains.
Cancer risk
A study published in the Journal of Cancer in 2019 indicates that those who eat chicken every day have a slightly higher risk of certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer. Frying or grilling chicken at high temperatures forms carcinogenic molecules like heterocyclic amino acids (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Digestion and food safety
Foodborne bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter found in chicken can harm your health. According to a report released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 million Americans are affected by salmonella each year. This bacteria is mainly spread through raw chicken.
Weight gain
Although chicken is often considered a food that helps with weight loss, the results can be quite the opposite if it is not consumed consciously. This can lead to weight gain if you are unable to manage your total calorie intake by eating chicken daily. Processed chicken products like nuggets and fried chicken contain high amounts of sodium, calories and unhealthy fats. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study notes that those who regularly eat chicken for protein instead of fish, beans and legumes are likely to gain more weight.

Antibiotic resistance
A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2018 found that antibiotics and hormones injected into chickens on farms could cause serious health problems in humans. Regular consumption of these chickens could lead to antibiotic resistance and hormonal problems, making it difficult to treat infections with antibiotics.