Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world. Chicken, when talking about food, is the meat derived from chickens, prepared in a wide variety of ways. Roasted, broiled, grilled or poached, and combined with a wide range of herbs and spices, chicken makes a delicious, flavorful and nutritious meal. Chicken is the world’s primary source of animal protein and a completely healthy alternative to red meat. Almost every culture in the world uses chicken in the diet, varying by region and culture. Typically, edible components of chicken are breasts, legs, thigh, liver, heart and gizzard. Chicken feet and wings are also commonly eaten, especially in Chinese cuisine.
Health benefits of chicken
Being very rich in proteins, only 4 ounces of chicken can provide 67.6% of the recommended daily value for protein. Protein is very important for reducing the bone loss in older people. However, studies reveal that older population usually has low protein intake. Animal protein, such as that derived from the chicken meat, is important for preserving bone loss. Chicken is a great solution for all those who are looking for ways to increase protein intake while reducing the amount of fat in their meals. However, chicken is best skinned before cooking, as the skin doubles the amount of fat in the food.
Another beneficial compound found in chicken meat is the cancer-protective B vitamin, niacin. Deficiency of niacin is linked to DNA damage and related diseases. An average serving of 4 ounces provides as much as 72.0% of the recommended daily value for niacin and 32.0% of the DV for vitamin B6.
Chicken is rich in selenium, essential for metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function. Selenium can induce DNA repair of the damaged cells and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Four ounces of chicken are sufficient for 40.0% of the recommended daily value for selenium.
Calories in chicken
Chicken is a very good source of protein and niacin. It is also a good source of selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. One serving of roasted chicken breasts contains 4 ounces, or somewhere around 113 grams. There are 223.4 calories in one serving. This food is relatively high in cholesterol as it contains 95.26 mg of cholesterol per serving, enough to satisfy 32% of recommended daily value. Because of this, chicken meet should be avoided in excess. Steam cooking with skin removed is one of the healthiest ways to consume chicken. Fried chicken with trans fat is one of the unhealthiest ways to consume chicken.
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