Chicken - the miracle meat
Chicken is one of those meat items that finds its place in all Indian meals. A favorite among all age groups, chicken is not only easily available, but is also nutritious and healthy if consumed in right quantities.
This lean meat can do wonders for all those non-vegetarians when consumed in a controllable manner. Implementing healthier food habits in our diets ensures a good body and better immunity. So here goes some of the numerous benefits of the delightful chicken!
Nutritional value of chicken
While chicken is a lean meat with loads of proteins, it is also high on cholesterol. However, chicken provides selenium which contains antioxidants that help control free radicals and improve your immune system.
A 100gms of cooked chicken would usually contain 239 calories. Of 100gms, 27gms would be only protein which is important for growth and development of various organs in the body. Besides, chicken also helps in maintaining the desired body weight. Furthermore, it gives zinc and iron and is an excellent source for Vitamins B6, B12 and D.
What you get when you consume chicken?
Body weight maintenance: With chicken being an excellent source of high quality protein, it helps in maintaining body weight especially for obese people. Adequate protein quantities would mean that your stomach stays full leaving no scope for binge eating. Including chicken two to three times in a week is not a bad idea, however, ensure to cook it in a healthy way.
That toned figure that you desired: Do you aspire to have a muscular and toned body, then chicken is your answer. The high protein content would give you the necessary energy to function properly. However, do ensure to balance it out with enough macro and micro nutrients in your diet.
Strong bones and healthy teeth: The protein content in chicken helps in decreasing bone loss. Bone loss is a major concern for women (aged 30 and above) and the geriatric population. Consuming 100gms of chicken breast would be sufficient in fulfilling half of your daily protein intake. Furthermore, the phosphorus in chicken helps in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, and ensures proper functioning of kidneys, liver and the central nervous system.
Increased metabolism: Since selenium is present in good quantities, consuming chicken would mean increase in metabolism rates especially the thyroid hormone, antioxidant defense system and immune function of the body.
Protection from cancer: You heard it right! Chicken is rich in niacin, a particular kind of Vitamin B that guards the body against cancer and other genetic complications.
Did you know?
The different parts of chicken has different levels of cholesterol and fat. Below is the fat content:
1. Chicken Breast(With skin)-7.8g, (Without Skin)-3.6g
2. Chicken Leg(With skin)-11.2, (Without skin) - 10.9g
3. Chicken Thighs(With skin),(Without skin) -25g
4. Chicken Wing(with skin)-27g,(without skin) -30g
5. Whole Chicken meat only-6.6g,Whole Chicken meat and skin-13.4g
Cooking chicken the healthy way!
Most of us associate the word “healthy” with bland food. However, that’s not true. Just throw in healthier spices and curd while you cook chicken and don’t forget to use cooking methods like steaming, broiling, roasting and grilling to get that delectable dish!
So go on, include more chicken and have a gastronomic experience while staying healthy!