12 Health Benefits Of Eating Chicken

Is eating chicken good for you? Yes. Chicken is not just everyone’s favourite meat but it’s full of essential nutrients too.

What are the health benefits of chicken?

Chicken has a lot to offer in terms of health benefits. Chicken is an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It helps in weight loss, treats common cold, controls blood pressure, and helps reduce cholesterol and the risk of cancer.

Here are the benefits of eating chicken:

1. Chicken is a high protein food:

Chicken is a key non-vegetarian source of high-quality protein. It contains all the nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein food. Chicken is a high protein, low-fat lean meat making it great for muscle growth and development.

2. Healthy chicken soup is the best remedy for cold or flu:

If you have the cold or flu, doctors recommend you incorporate chicken soup in your recovery diet plan. This is because chicken bolsters the immune cells in your body, while the steam from the hot soup clears your nasal passages. Taking some hot chicken soup is the best way to recover from common cold, nose congestion and sore throat.

3. A chicken diet is good for weight loss

A protein rich diet is known to bring about weight loss. Chicken is a low fat, high protein food that aids in weight loss.

4. Eating chicken helps lower blood pressure

Consuming chicken is found to be useful in controlling blood pressure. Chicken is relatively high in potassium, an electrolyte mineral that counteracts the adverse effects of sodium on your blood pressure.

5. Chicken is good for heart health

High levels of the amino acid Homocysteine in the body can lead to cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, chicken contains Vitamin B6 which reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack by lowering the levels of homocysteine.

6. Chicken helps lower cholesterol:

Chicken is a lean meat and it’s relatively low in saturated fat compared to most red meat and this helps keep your cholesterol levels in check. Chicken also contains the B-Vitamin Niacin that’s associated with lower cholesterol.

Red meat has more cholesterol and saturated fat than chicken which can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

7. Chicken reduces colon cancer risk:

There’s a strong correlation between selenium levels in your blood and a lowered risk of several types of cancer. Chicken is an important source of selenium, a trace element that prevents cancer cells from replicating.

Studies have also shown that eating chicken helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

8. Eating chicken de-stresses you:

Chicken not just tastes yummy and makes you healthy, it also makes you feel good. Chicken contains the amino acid tryptophan that gives one that comforting feeling after having a warm bowl of chicken soup. Chicken is a natural anti-depressant that ups your serotonin levels, enhances your mood, reduces stress and relaxes you.

9. Chicken keeps bones strong:

Chicken is not just protein-rich but also a good source of calcium and phosphorous, all of which contribute to your bone health. Chicken consumption protects against osteoporosis and arthritis.

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that supports teeth and bones, kidney, liver and the central nervous system function.

10. Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals:

Chicken is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Chicken contains Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine that helps in the metabolic process of proteins & carbohydrates. It helps is the production of enzymes, white and red blood cells, insulin, neurotransmitters, DNA, RNA and prostaglandins.

Chicken is also rich in Vitamin B3 Niacin that fights cancer and other forms of genetic damage.

Chicken liver contains riboflavin (Vitamin B2) that reduces skin problems and repairs dry/damaged skin.

Chicken contains Vitamin D which helps absorb calcium and strengthen bones.

11. Chicken alleviates PMS symptoms:

Chicken contains magnesium, a nutrient that helps ease pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.

12. Chicken is a good dietary source of Vitamin A essential for eyesight :

Chicken contains retinol, lycopene, alpha and beta-carotene, all derived from Vit A, and all essential for healthy eyesight.

All of the above are reason enough to say yes to chicken. So, include some low fat, skinless chicken in your diet for a healthier you.