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7 Health Benefits of Chicken
The health benefits of chicken include its good supply of protein content, the supply of essential vitamins and minerals, benefits in losing weight, cholesterol control, blood pressure control, and a reduced risk of cancer.
Nutritional Value Of Chicken
According to the USDA , chicken (100 g) has moisture (65 g), energy (215 kcal), protein (18 g), fat (15 g), saturated fat (4 g), cholesterol (75 mg), calcium (11 mg), iron (0.9 mg), magnesium (20 mg), phosphorous (147 mg), potassium (189 mg), sodium (70 mg), and zinc (1.3 mg). In terms of vitamins, it contains vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
High Protein Content: Chicken is one of the highest protein suppliers normally found in people’s diets. The amount of protein found in it is 18 g per 100 g of chicken, which is very high. Protein plays an important role in our diet. It is made of amino acids that make up protein, which are the building blocks of our muscle. The recommended amount of daily protein requirements is 1 gram per 1 kg of body weight, or 0.4 g of protein per pound of body weight. These numbers are for normal people. For athletes, the daily requirement of protein is about 0.6 g to 0.9 g per pound, which is more than double the regular requirement.
Important Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken is not only a very good source of protein, but it is also a very good source of vitamins and minerals. The vitamins and minerals found in it are very useful in numerous activities in our body. For example, B vitamins are useful in preventing cataracts and skin disorders, boosting immunity, eliminating weakness, regulating digestion, and improving the nervous system, as well as preventing migraine, heart disorders, grey hair, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and bone strengthening. Vitamin A helps in building up eye sight and minerals such as iron are helpful in hemoglobin formation, muscle activity, and eliminating anemia. Potassium and sodium are electrolytes, phosphorous is helpful in tackling weakness, bone health, brain function, dental care, and metabolic issues.
Weight Loss: Diets with high levels of protein have been known to be effective in reducing weight and chicken has been one of the main contenders in weight loss, since it provides high protein content. Studies and trials have shown that significant weight control was observed in those people who regularly eat chicken.
Control of Blood Pressure: Chicken consumption has been found to be useful in controlling blood pressure as well. This was observed in people with hypertension and in many African Americans. Though the diet was also comprised of nuts, low-fat dietary products, vegetables, and fruits.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Studies have found that in non-vegetarians, a higher consumption of red meat, pork/ ham increased the risk of colorectal cancer, while in chicken and fish eaters, the risk of developing colorectal cancer in later life was reduced. Although studies suggest that eating chicken puts one at a lower risk than eating red meat, the evidence is not conclusive.
Reduced Risk of Cholesterol Accumulation: The amount of saturated fat and cholesterol found in red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is much higher than the levels found in chicken, fish, and vegetables. Therefore, the American Heart Association has advised consuming chicken or fish instead of red meat for a lowered risk of cholesterol and subsequent heart disease development. The AHA also says that consuming chicken or fish must be limited to normal levels, as excessive consumption can also lead to the development of heart disease.
Common Cold: Intake of warm chicken soup also provides relief from common cold, including symptoms like a congested nose and a sore throat.