The benefits and harms of chicken meat, calories that can be cooked

The benefits and harms of chicken are of interest to everyone, because of all the birds, it is she who most often appears on the dinner table. It is interesting to study the properties of the bird in order to understand for whom it is especially recommended for consumption.

The chemical composition of chicken meat

Chicken is a real record holder among birds in terms of the content of nutrients. The product is full of vitamins and valuable minerals, important acids, very nutritious and at the same time not dangerous for the figure.

Vitamins and minerals

The product contains the following vitamins:

• A, C and E;
• B1, B2 and B3;
• B5, B6 and B9.

The elemental composition of the product is represented by iron, calcium and phosphorus. The product also contains potassium and sodium, magnesium and sulfur, zinc and chlorine.

Amino acids

The particular benefit of chicken for the human body is its high amino acid content. In particular, meat contains:

• valine - the main substance responsible for muscle growth and tissue repair, for the work of the liver and gallbladder;
• isoleucine - the appetite and energy reserves of a person depend on this amino acid, with a lack of substance, increased irritability and headaches are observed;
• tryptophan - an amino acid that protects against the development of insomnia, depression, anxiety;
• lysine - a substance responsible for immunity, strength of hair and nails, physical and mental activity;
• taurine - the amino acid determines the rate of tissue regeneration, protects the organs of vision from diseases;
• leucine - is responsible for protein synthesis and muscle growth;
• arginine - an amino acid, especially important for men, since the quality of the genetic material and reproductive ability depend on it;
• purine - the substance contributes to the supply of oxygen to cells and is responsible for the health of the joints.

Lack of any of the amino acids leads to a deterioration in well-being, so chicken is a real treasure in terms of energy replenishment.

Nutritional value and calorie content of chicken meat

A characteristic feature of the product is that it contains absolutely no carbohydrates. At the same time, the protein content is very high - about 16 g, and the share of fat accounts for an average of 14 g.

The average calorie content of the product per 100 g is 190 kcal.

How is chicken meat useful?

Different parts of the carcass, processed in one way or another, can bring more or less benefit to human health. But in any case, the product has the following beneficial properties:

• helps to establish the work of digestion and normalizes metabolism;
• strengthens joints, nails and teeth;
• replenishes energy reserves and protects against depression and stress;
• regulates blood pressure;
• prevents anemia - the benefits of chicken legs are especially manifested here;
• positively affects the reproductive system and protects eyesight from diseases;
• strengthens the immune system;
• promotes active muscle growth and rapid tissue regeneration;
• protects against heart disease.

The beneficial properties of chicken meat for some body systems should be considered in more detail.

For the digestive system

Chicken meat is a unique product that can be consumed even with severe stomach diseases. Chicken is easy to digest, does not irritate the stomach and other organs, and does not accumulate in adipose tissue. The properties of the product protect against the development of constipation and diarrhea, help to heal gastritis, pancreatitis and ulcers.

For the cardiovascular system

Chicken is an effective prevention of atherosclerosis, ischemia and hypertension. Regular consumption of the product in food protects against early heart attacks and strokes, since the properties of the bird reduce bad cholesterol, strengthen blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

For immunity

During a cold, for a speedy recovery, it is not just recommended to drink chicken bouillon... The healing properties of chicken meat are that the product enriches the human body with vitamins and minerals, helping to strengthen the immune system. Due to this, most viruses and bacteria cannot break through the protective barrier, and the manifested colds quickly recede.

Chicken meat and weak broth are very good regenerative agents. They return strength to the body after severe ailments.

For the nervous system

A large supply of vitamins and amino acids in chicken helps to maintain an even emotional background. Regular consumption of chicken reduces the risk of developing neuroses and depression, helps to get rid of insomnia, irritability and stress.

For the brain

Healthy chicken parts are recommended for adults, children and the elderly for their beneficial effects on the brain. The product supports mental activity and strengthens memory, and in old age is useful in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

For bones and muscles

Chicken contains both phosphorus, calcium and protein - components that are especially important for healthy joint and muscle development. The product serves to prevent bone diseases, strengthens teeth and nails, and increases strength and endurance. Eating chicken regularly is essential for anyone interested in strong joints and healthy muscle mass, and remains the most readily available and inexpensive source of quality protein.

For visual acuity

The product contains a lot of vitamin A, which is responsible for good vision. The product prevents the development of cataracts, protects the lens and retina from destruction. Useful properties of chicken are the prevention of hyperopia and myopia.

For skin health

Due to the high content of riboflavin in chicken, this product improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Chicken's properties even out skin color and help prevent irritation, chapped lips and gum disease.

For reproductive functions

Chicken is one of the healthiest foods for the human reproductive system. Vitamin B5 in the composition of the product improves the quality of female eggs and male sperm. And folic acid, which is rich in chicken meat, has a positive effect throughout pregnancy - strengthens the nervous system of the fetus, helps a woman to cope with stress.

For the thyroid gland

Selenium in the composition of the product regulates the level of iodine in the body and protects the thyroid gland from diseases. Thus, a healthy hormonal background is maintained, metabolism is regulated, and the endocrine system functions smoothly.

Slimming

The properties of the product are especially useful during the period of weight loss. There are no carbohydrates in it, but there is a lot of protein, so the meat is not deposited in fat, but it helps to preserve muscle tissue. Chicken regulates metabolism, and the body is promptly cleansed of toxins. Of all the varieties of meat, it is chicken that can be found in diets most often - its properties are very beneficial to health and do not harm the figure.

Of course, eating chicken on a diet must be combined with other foods, especially vegetables, fruits and herbs. If you eat exclusively chicken protein, then constipation is possible.

Who is recommended to eat chicken meat

The beneficial properties of chicken meat are recommended to almost everyone. But for certain categories of people, chicken in the diet is especially important.

Pregnant and lactating women

The protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, and protein in chicken meat make it especially beneficial during gestation. The product contributes to the healthy development of the fetus and significantly improves the condition of the expectant mother, eliminates metabolic problems, helps to avoid severe edema, and normalizes blood pressure.

During lactation, the properties of chicken are also very beneficial. Together with this product through breast milk, the baby receives the protein necessary for the development of muscles and bones. And the B vitamins in the product strengthen the baby's nervous system.

For children

Chicken meat is highly digestible, has a beneficial effect on all systems of the child's body. The product is the main source of protein for babies - it has been introduced into the diet since 8 months. For children, it is recommended to cook the breast as the healthiest part. The meat must be thoroughly boiled, and then grind in a blender until completely softened, so that it looks more like mashed potatoes.

Chicken meat strengthens children's joints and promotes muscle growth, helps in the immune system and protects the intestines and stomach from ailments. The product is equally valuable for the diet of toddlers and adolescents.

To old people

Vitamin B12 in the composition of the product helps to strengthen memory in old age. And the collagen present in chicken comprehensively slows down the aging process in the body. The high-quality protein in poultry meat supports the volume of muscle tissue in the elderly, and the reserves of calcium and phosphorus prevent the destruction of joints.

For all these reasons, chicken is highly recommended for a consistent diet in old age. In addition, poultry meat is perfectly digestible and does not overload the stomach.

Diabetics

With diabetes, chicken is one of the healthiest foods in the diet. Its glycemic index is zero, since there are absolutely no carbohydrates in poultry meat. The blood glucose level does not rise when chicken is consumed, but the body benefits from protein, important trace elements and vitamins.

It is important to emphasize that in diabetes, boiled chicken will benefit, and fried chicken will be strictly prohibited. It is also necessary to remove the skin from the chicken carcass, which contains fats.

It must be low in calories and with a minimum amount of fat, otherwise the body will be harmed.

Athletes

Chicken is an excellent source of natural protein. Poultry contains almost as much protein as seafood, so chicken is very beneficial for muscle growth.

In addition, iron and selenium, zinc and vitamin B6 are present in meat - these substances are responsible for saturating muscle tissue with oxygen, for metabolism and for hormones. If an athlete wants to achieve good results and maintain good health, chicken must be present in his diet.

Why homemade chicken is healthier than store chicken

Poultry is considered by definition to be better than supermarket chicken. There are several reasons for this.

• Most often, chickens intended for delivery to stores are raised using hormonal drugs, and the latter can harm the human body.
• Shop chickens are slaughtered early enough, in their meat they simply do not have time to accumulate useful substances in good volumes.
• Shop chickens cannot be fully tested for quality. Poultry meat is often re-frozen, sometimes the chicken is soaked in special solutions to give it a fresher look, and the expiration dates on the packaging are interrupted.

The harm and benefits of store-bought chicken depend not only on the supplier, but also on the store - it is important in what conditions the chicken is stored in the supermarket

But the quality of homemade chicken can not be questioned. The bird is raised according to all the rules, they are not fed with harmful additives, much attention is paid to the storage conditions of meat.

What's the healthiest part of chicken?

Despite the fact that the same vitamins and elements are present in all parts of the carcass, the benefits of these parts are not the same.

The most useful, easily digestible and dietary is considered to be poultry breast, or fillet. Breast contains maximum protein with few calories. The benefits and harms of chicken wings depend on the growing conditions of the poultry - usually it is in the wings that the bulk of harmful substances accumulate. At the same time, the main benefit of chicken wings is that they are less high in calories than drumsticks, and are processed much faster.

The wings and thighs of the bird retain some useful properties, but their nutritional value is much higher than that of fillets.

Harm of chicken meat and contraindications to use

High-quality chicken meat is allowed for use in almost any condition. Contraindications can only be an individual allergy to chicken protein or ailments, with an exacerbation of which complete hunger is shown, for example, pancreatitis.

However, the benefits and harms of chicken meat for the body depend on the quality of the poultry. Potential danger is represented by:

• chicken skin - it contains substances that are contraindicated in a diseased liver and obesity;
• smoked poultry - the content of potentially hazardous substances is increased in it;
• poor quality or expired chicken - both spoiled and hormone-filled meat will harm the body.

The harm of fried chicken is widely known. Most people love chicken drumsticks fried in oil and spices, but this product contains many harmful carcinogens that are formed from oil at high temperatures. In addition, fried chicken meat damages the figure - it is impossible to lose weight on it, but it is very easy to get better.

How to cook and what to serve chicken with

Chicken can be processed in a variety of ways - by boiling, stewing, baking or frying. The greatest benefit is considered to be boiled chicken. It is very simple to prepare it - the meat is boiled for a quarter of an hour, then the water is changed and the product is boiled for another 40 minutes. With this method of processing, the product retains maximum useful properties.

Chicken in the oven is beneficial - it remains quite dietary. Fried chicken should only be eaten occasionally, and is the least beneficial compared to other processing methods.

Chicken is used to make second courses, soups and barbecue, poultry meat is added to many salads and snacks. Also, chicken can be found:

• in jellied meat;
• in the filling of pies and pies;
• as part of a pizza.

Chicken is eaten together with pasta and cereals, vegetables and flour products, most sauces, seasonings and spices are perfect for it - in combination with any products, it is beneficial. Poultry meat is universal, as it is suitable for both daily and festive tables.

How to choose the right chicken meat

Since most people purchase chicken from the store, and not directly from farmers, it is very important to know the rules for choosing a product. The benefits and harms of chicken for the body are determined precisely by its quality - bird poisoning threatens with great health problems.

By smell

If the chicken is sold on the market or in the store without airtight packaging, it is recommended to sniff it before buying. If at least a faint rotten note is felt in the aroma, you cannot purchase the product - the chicken is clearly spoiled, even if this did not affect its appearance, and would be harmful.

You should not buy meat that emits a distinct smell of spices. It is customary to use hot spices to mask the unpleasant aroma of a spoiled product. Chances are good that the seller is trying to pass off an expired bird as fresh.

By color

In a quality product, the skin tone should be light pink, the meat color should be slightly reddish, and the fat color should be light yellow. If the chicken meat is unnaturally red and bright, this indicates the addition of dyes - the product can be harmful to health.

In addition, the carcass of a good chicken should not have blood clots, feathers and smudges; their presence indicates a careless processing of the product. A violation of technology at any stage can mean that in the end there will only be harm from meat.

To size

When purchasing chicken meat, you need to remember that chicken is a small bird. On average, the size of its breast does not exceed 20 cm, and the length of the legs is approximately 15 cm. If the carcass is too large, then you should not buy it, despite all its attractiveness. The sheer size suggests that the chicken was fed hormonal supplements, and their properties will be harmful to the body.

By packing

The packaging in which the product is sold must be checked first of all for tightness. But other points are also important.

1. The package must contain a mark that the meat has not been treated with chlorine. Previously, this method of disinfection and conservation was actually used, but then it was recognized as dangerous and went out of use. Responsible producers now specifically report that chicken meat is processed using modern safe technologies and is not harmful.
2. The shelf life of a natural bird carcass is a maximum of 6 days, individual parts retain their beneficial properties for 8 days. If the information on the package indicates that the chicken is intended for long-term storage, the product probably contains preservatives.

How to store chicken properly

Chicken meat belongs to the category of perishable food. After buying it, it is advisable to use it faster - it retains its beneficial properties in the refrigerator only for 5-6 days. It is absolutely impossible to store chicken at room temperature - the meat will go bad after a few hours.

In order for the chicken not to absorb foreign odors from other products, it must be placed in an airtight container or at least wrapped in cling film. It is not recommended to allow meat to come into contact with other products - with such contact, the chicken will start to spoil faster.

You can preserve the benefits of the product for a long time if you put it in the freezer - at a temperature of -18 ° C, the chicken can lie for up to a year. It should be remembered that before deep freezing, the carcass is not washed, but only wiped with paper towels. You cannot defrost and re-freeze meat - such a product will harm the body.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of chicken depend solely on the quality of the product.The fresh and natural meat of this poultry is beneficial for everyone and helps to improve well-being even with severe ailments.