There are many health benefits of chicken, such as reducing the risk of cancer, controlling blood pressure levels, controlling cholesterol levels, benefits in losing weight, supplying essential minerals and vitamins, and it has a good supply of protein content. One of the most common types of poultry in the world is chicken.
It has been used as food, and it has been domesticated for thousands of years. It is thought that chickens were domesticated in India for the first time when they were used for cockfighting, and then they started to be part of the food. Later, they spread all around the world, such as in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Chickens are domesticated for their eggs and meat. They are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, folate, Vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, thiamin, and Vitamin C. Also, they have zinc, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It can be cooked in different foods such as oven-fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and chicken salad.
Contents
7 health benefits of chicken
Common cold
There are many people who recommend chicken soup as a natural treatment for the common cold. When they eat this food in a warm form, then it gives them relief from the symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat and congested nose.
Reduced risk of cholesterol accumulation
The amount of cholesterol and saturated fat which is found in lamb, pork, and beef meat is higher compared with the levels found in fish, chicken, and vegetables. This is a reason why many associations for health are recommending consuming fish or chicken meat instead of red meat. This meat can lower the risk of cholesterol and the development of heart diseases. But you should consume it in moderation because if you eat it in excessive amounts, then this can lead to the development of heart diseases.
Reduced cancer risk
There are some studies in which is shown that if you eat fish or chicken, then you have decreased chances of getting colorectal cancer compared with eating red meat. But this evidence is not conclusive, which means that you need to talk with your doctor before you start using chicken meat in your diet.
Control of blood pressure
There are some studies in which is shown that when we consume chicken, then we have normal blood pressure levels, which means the chicken can control them. These cases were observed in many African Americans and people with hypertension. But also, their diets were rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dietary products, and nuts.
Weight loss
Chickens are rich in protein. We know that when we have a diet rich in proteins, then we can lose weight. You should consume chicken meat if you want to lose weight. People who were eating chicken on a regular base have noticed control in their weight.
An important source of vitamins and minerals
Chickens are rich in proteins, but also they are rich in minerals and vitamins. It has B Vitamins which have many health benefits such as preventing diabetes, high cholesterol, grey hair, heart disorders, and migraine, improving the nervous system, regulating digestion, eliminating weakness, boosting the immune system, and preventing skin disorders and cataracts.
It has Vitamin D that can help us to have strong bones, and also it can help in calcium absorption. Vitamin A can build up the eye sight. It has minerals such as iron that are helpful in muscle activity, hemoglobin formation, and eliminating anemia. It has electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Also, it has phosphorous that is helpful in tackling metabolic issues, dental care, brain function, bone health, and weakness.
High protein content
One of the richest types of meats that are full of proteins is chicken meat. In 100 grams of chicken, there are 18 grams of proteins. This element is very important for our bodies. Proteins are made from amino acids that are the building blocks of our muscles. The recommended daily intake amount of protein is one gram per kilogram of body weight. This is the number of proteins that should be consumed by normal people. Athletes should consume more than double the daily intake amount, which is 0.6 grams to 0.9 grams per pound.