Health Benefits of Eating Chicken

Chicken offers numerous health benefits and is a widely used protein source around the globe. It serves as a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids needed for a healthy body. Among its parts, chicken breast is regarded as the healthiest; 3 ounces (85 grams) of chicken breast delivers 26 grams of protein, whereas other parts like wings, thighs, and drumsticks only provide about 20 grams. Additionally, chicken is a rich source of nutrients such as choline and vitamin B12, which are essential for brain function.

Dark meat cuts, like chicken thighs and drumsticks, tend to have more fat and higher calorie content than chicken breasts. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chicken, enhances serotonin levels or feel-good hormones. You can enjoy chicken in various ways, including boiled, roasted, grilled, or barbecued. If you’re on a weight loss diet, it’s best to avoid deep-fried chicken.

Chicken contains negligible carbohydrates, giving it a glycemic index of zero, so it doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken contains a variety of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Pros of eating Chicken

1. Lean protein in chicken helps in muscle mass maintenance and recovery.

2. Protein-rich diet keeps you fuller for longer, eating chicken may help in weight management.

3. Consuming chicken can help maintain bone mineral density, improve joint health, and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

4. Chicken can be beneficial in improving cardiovascular health.

5. Tryptophan a type of amino acid in chicken can improve your mood.

6. Vitamin B12 and choline present in chicken are beneficial for the nervous system and improve cognitive performance in older people.

7. Chicken soup prepared with chicken bones contains nutrients like gelatin and chondroitin that improve immunity.

8. Nutrients like zinc and protein present in chicken can improve testosterone levels.

9. Nutrients like dietary collagen, niacin, and selenium, in chicken may improve skin elasticity.

10. Chicken contains vitamins B3, B6, and B12 essential for red blood cell production and metabolism.

11. Chicken contains phosphorus that helps improve bone and teeth health.

12. Nutrients like iron and vitamin B12 in chicken lower the risk of anemia.

13. Protein and vitamin B complex in chicken can help improve hair and nail health.

14. Selenium in chicken can help regulate thyroid function.

Cons of Eating Chicken

1. Excess consumption of deep-fried chicken may increase cholesterol levels.

2. Chicken is a high-heat food as it increases the body’s overall temperature and can cause a runny nose, especially in summer.

3. Excess consumption of high-calorie chicken dishes like butter chicken and chicken biryani may lead to weight gain.

4. Chicken intestine contains E.coli bacteria which can contaminate the chicken meat due to improper slaughtering. Consumption of Contaminated chicken meat increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI).

5. Chicken skin is high in saturated fats, excess consumption of which can cause high cholesterol and a higher risk of heart disease.

6. Chicken contains purines, an organic compound that can increase uric acid in the body.

7. Raw or not properly cooked chicken can contain salmonella bacteria which can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.

8. Regular consumption of antibiotics and hormones injected chicken from the farm may cause antibiotic resistance and hormone-related issues.

Interesting Facts

1. Chickens are descendants of dinosaurs. They are closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex.

2. Chickens can dream like humans as they experience REM (rapid eye movement) while sleeping.

3. Chickens have color vision and can see red, blue, and green light. They can also see ultraviolet light.

4. Chickens have good memories and can memorize 100 different faces including human faces.

5. Hen’s earlobe determines the color of eggshells, red earlobes will lay brown eggs and white earlobes will lay white eggs.