Information on Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Nutrition Facts

Chicken & Broccoli

The following Chinese chicken and broccoli nutrition facts are based on a serving (5.5 ounces) from Panda Express.

Calories & Fats

One serving has 180 calories; 80 are from fat. Total fat is 9 grams; 2 grams are saturated fat. Trans fats are zero.

The amount of calories is very reasonable and the “good” fat (unsaturated fat) outweighs the “bad” fat (saturated fat). “Good” fat is essential and has many health benefits. It can help improve cholesterol levels and even help in weight loss. The amount of saturated fat is 10% of the daily value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). Consuming large amounts of saturated fat can raise “bad” cholesterol levels and impair “good” cholesterol levels. Having zero trans fat is a big plus. In some countries trans fat has been banned and in the United States it is blamed on thousands of premature deaths each year.

Cholesterol

One serving has 65 milligrams of cholesterol. This is roughly 21% of the daily recommended amount (300 milligrams a day). The recommended value for people with high cholesterol is 200 milligrams or less per day.

Cholesterol is an important compound with many functions. It is the starting material for hormones, it is part of bile, it is made into vitamin D with the help of sunlight, and it is part of every cell. However, too much “bad” cholesterol (and too little “good” cholesterol) can cause atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) which can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Protein

One serving of this Chinese chicken and broccoli dish has 13 grams of protein (about 26% of the daily value).

Without protein, life would not exist. It has many functions and comes in many forms: enzymes, antibodies, transport vehicles, oxygen carriers, and more.

Carbohydrates

One serving has a total of 11 grams of carbohydrates; 3 grams are fiber (almost 13% of the daily value).

Fiber has many important roles. It promotes healthy bowel habits, lowers “bad” cholesterol levels, regulates blood sugar levels, and provides a full-feeling which can help with weight loss.

Sodium

One serving has 630 milligrams of sodium (salt). This is about 26% of the recommended amount per day.

High intakes of sodium may cause high blood pressure which can lead to heart disease. It may also contribute to asthma, kidney stones, stomach cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamins & Minerals

A typical dish of chicken and broccoli this size contains roughly 78% of vitamin C, 22% of vitamin B6, 7% of vitamin A, 4% of vitamin E, 3% of vitamin B12, 7% of iron, and 4% of calcium.

Note

The above Chinese chicken and broccoli nutrition facts are not 100% accurate.

Sources Used

Panda Express® Nutritional Information: https://www.pandaexpress.com/images/pdf/nutritioninformation.pdf

Typical Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: https://dailyburn.com/nutrition/typical_chinese_chicken_and_broccoli_calories

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of CC-BY-SA-3.0 / David Monniaux at Wikimedia.