When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty bowl of New England Clam Chowder. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, it can be helpful to know that a single cup (10 oz) of regular clam chowder contains around 440 calories.

Despite the high calorie count, there are benefits to including New England Clam Chowder in your diet in moderation. This dish is a good source of protein, as well as important vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional value of New England Clam Chowder and provide some tips for incorporating this classic dish into a healthy eating plan.

Calories in New England Clam Chowder

As mentioned earlier, a single cup (10 oz) of regular New England Clam Chowder contains around 440 calories. This makes it a calorie-dense food that should be enjoyed in moderation if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One way to reduce the calorie count of clam chowder is to opt for a smaller serving size or choose a low-fat version of the dish. It's also important to keep in mind that clams themselves are a nutritious food that can be included in a healthy diet. They're a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits.

Benefits of New England Clam Chowder

While New England Clam Chowder is not exactly a health food, it does contain some important nutrients that can be beneficial for your health. For example, clams are a good source of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout your body. Clams are also rich in vitamin B12, which is important for brain health and the production of DNA. Additionally, New England Clam Chowder often contains other nutritious ingredients like potatoes, onions, and celery. These vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health.

Nutrients in New England Clam Chowder

Here are the key nutrients you'll find in a serving of New England Clam Chowder: Protein: 15g Fat: 24g

Serving Size of New England Clam Chowder

The serving size for New England Clam Chowder is typically one cup (10 oz). However, if you're looking to reduce your calorie intake, you may want to aim for a smaller serving size or choose a low-fat version of the dish. It's also important to consider what you're eating with your clam chowder. Pairing it with high-calorie bread or crackers can significantly increase the calorie count of your meal. To keep your meal as healthy as possible, consider pairing your clam chowder with a side salad or a piece of fruit instead.

Fat Content in New England Clam Chowder

As mentioned earlier, a serving of New England Clam Chowder contains around 24g of fat. While many people avoid high-fat foods when trying to lose weight, it's important to remember that not all fats are created equal. The fats found in clams and other seafood are typically heart-healthy unsaturated fats, which can help support cardiovascular health. That being said, it's still a good idea to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Protein in New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder is a good source of protein, with around 15g per serving. Protein is an important nutrient that plays a role in numerous bodily functions, including muscle growth and repair, immune function, and hormone production. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, including foods like clams, fish, and other seafood can be an excellent way to do so.

Carbohydrates in New England Clam Chowder

A serving of New England Clam Chowder typically contains around 35-40g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body. However, it's important to choose high-quality carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, rather than relying on processed or refined carbohydrates. If you're looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, you may want to pair your clam chowder with a side salad or skip the bread or crackers.

Sugar Content in New England Clam Chowder

A serving of New England Clam Chowder typically contains less than 5g of sugar. While it's always a good idea to limit your intake of added sugars, the small amount of sugar found in clam chowder is likely due to the natural sugars found in the vegetables and other ingredients used to make the dish. Overall, sugar is not a major concern when it comes to New England Clam Chowder.

Sodium in New England Clam Chowder

One potential downside of New England Clam Chowder is its high sodium content. A single cup of regular clam chowder can contain up to 900mg of sodium, or nearly 40% of the recommended daily intake for most adults. Excess sodium intake has been linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. If you're trying to reduce your sodium intake, you may want to opt for a low-sodium version of clam chowder or limit your portion size.

Cholesterol in New England Clam Chowder

A serving of New England Clam Chowder contains around 120mg of cholesterol. While many people used to believe that dietary cholesterol was linked to heart disease, more recent research has suggested that the link between the two is not as strong as originally thought. However, if you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about how much cholesterol you should be consuming in your diet.