Chicken is one of the most popular types of meat. Not only is it widely available and easy to prepare, but it can also be served in a variety of delicious culinary dishes. Chicken meat is white, light, and versatile. It is so adaptable that you can use it in soups, dry dishes or dishes with sauce, and a multitude of salads. While many people choose it for its taste, others want to take advantage of the benefits that chicken has for their figure and health.
If you knew all the benefits of chicken, you would certainly be tempted to include it in as many dishes as possible and you will understand our passion for chicken recipes. For this very reason, in today's article we will present the most well-known benefits of poultry, so that you can understand why chicken is such a healthy and appreciated food!
Nutritional value of chicken meat
Chicken meat contains a variety of nutrients important for health, among which we mention meat protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), serving an 85-gram portion of chicken breast delivers to the body:
- Calories: 122;
- Proteins: 24 grams;
- Fat: 3 grams;
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams;
- Niacin: 51% of the recommended daily intake (RDI);
- Selenium: 36% from DZR;
- Phosphorus: 17% from DZR;
- Vitamin B6: 16% from the DZR;
- Vitamin B12: 10% from DZR;
- Riboflavin: 9% of the RDA;
- Zinc: 7% from DZR;
- Thiamine: 6% from DZR;
- Potassium: 5% from DZR;
- Copper: 4% from DZR.
The proteins in chicken, in particular, are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as for maintaining muscle mass. Also, selenium is a trace mineral necessary for the immune system, thyroid health, and fertility. Furthermore, chicken is rich in B vitamins, such as niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, which play an essential role in energy production, DNA synthesis, and brain health.
The benefits of consuming chicken meat
Based on the nutritional information mentioned above, it is no wonder chicken has a multitude of benefits for the body. We invite you to discover the main advantages of consuming chicken in the lines below!
Chicken meat is an important source of protein
Chicken meat is one of the main sources of protein. Nutritionists indicate that chicken breast contains 21 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is not common in other foods. A serving of chicken provides you with about a quarter of your daily protein requirement, essential nutrients for the body to convert fat into energy and to prevent bone mass loss.
Furthermore, chicken meat also has energizing properties, thanks to the substantial intake of vitamin B, which helps process carbohydrates and regulate blood sugar levels.
Chicken meat ensures increased immunity
This food contains half of the recommended daily dose of selenium, a mineral that stimulates the secretion of glutathione, also called the „protein of life.” Glutathione is one of the body's most important antioxidants, having a detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory role. Therefore, chicken brings a lot of benefits to our immune system.
Chicken meat is ideal for weight loss
Weight loss diets include effective proteins, as they manage to eliminate hunger. Several studies have shown that people who choose to consume chicken breast regularly lose weight after a certain period. Being a carbohydrate-free and low-fat food, chicken or poultry meat represents the ideal ingredient for the figure, acting as the „friend” of dietary regimens. In a previous article, we also proposed a few diet recipes with chicken, in case you want to convince yourself!
Chicken meat has a low cholesterol level
Chicken has low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, even compared to some vegetables. When there is a risk of high cholesterol, doctors recommend consuming fish and white meat, such as chicken.
Chicken meat is abundant in vitamins and minerals
Chicken meat not only provides the body with sufficient protein, but also ensures the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals. B vitamins, present in large amounts in chicken meat, play an essential role in the formation of healthy red blood cells and energy production. Vitamin D in chicken meat helps with calcium absorption and the formation of strong bones. Other essential minerals, such as iron, support muscle activity and prevent anemia.
Chicken meat is easy to digest
Consuming chicken, in various dishes, is light compared to other types of meat. Chicken is easy to cook and just as easy to digest, this food being recommended even during pregnancy, when more attention is needed at mealtimes to avoid causing stomach discomfort.
Chicken meat is easy to cook
In addition to all its nutritional benefits, chicken is extremely easy to cook, in the most diverse combinations and alongside numerous other ingredients. It is a tasty meat, suitable for lunch, dinner, or breakfast alike. And it is not fussy at all, unlike beef, for instance!
Healthy ways to serve chicken meat
As is the case with most foods, some common methods of preparing chicken are healthier than others. Here are some of the best choices:
- Grilled chicken
Grilled chicken can be a quick and healthy way to increase your protein intake. To complete the meal, also consider adding a few grilled vegetables. A chicken and roasted vegetable mix grill can be a tasty and healthy way to serve chicken!
- Baked chicken
Baking chicken is a great option for dinner, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Besides being low in fat and calories, baked chicken is rich in important nutrients. Try a recipe for baked chicken with potatoes and garlic yourself.
- Boiled chicken
Another delicious way to enjoy the properties of chicken meat is by boiling it. And how else, than in a tasty soup? You can prepare the most diverse soup recipes for your loved ones, such as chicken noodle soup or Greek-style chicken soup.
We hope that by the end of this article you will understand why chicken is such a healthy food and why we are always looking for the most appetizing chicken recipes to share with you. Take advantage of all the benefits of chicken and serve it in delicious recipes. We've made sure you have plenty to choose from!
