Chicken is a very popular food in this country as well as
throughout the world. Just about every country on this planet
has a famous chicken soup and recipe. It is so adaptable,
widely available, and reasonably affordable.
Many also prefer it to seafood and fish because of its
inoffensive taste that will not interfere with others, so it
marries well with bolder flavours.
But apart from its delicious taste, nutritionists say chicken is
especially good for the heart, as it contains the good fatty
acids which do not encourage weight gain — a predisposing
factor for coronary heart disease.
Consultant Nutritionist, Dr. Shola Adebiyi, says that the
Omega-3 fatty acids in chicken reduces risks of
cardiovascular diseases.
Adebiyi states, “Chicken is relatively low in saturated fats,
compared to many protein alternatives such as meat,
especially when the skin is removed and it is not fried.
“By eating chicken, you will lower your risk of developing heart
disease by reducing your LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Basically,
eating chicken makes it easier for you to maintain a healthy
weight due to its low fat content.”
If you want to reduce your risks for some forms of cancer,
experts say you should incorporate chicken into your diet.
Food experts note that chicken is a great source of selenium
– a trace element that has been shown to fight cancer.
They affirm that selenium has a positive effect on the
incidence of other degenerative diseases, including
inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological
diseases and infections.
“A part of chicken contains 24 microgrammes of selenium,
which is 44 per cent of the selenium you need daily. Selenium
is an antioxidant that activates vitamins C and E and their
ability to fight cancer-promoting free radicals.”
Many are aware of the fact that chicken is one of the richest
sources of protein, but few actually know that chicken is
loaded with vitamin B3, B6 and niacin — nutrients that have
been known to boost immunity, protect against infections and
also help cell regeneration and rejuvenation.
Experts highlight that vitamin B6 found in chicken is an
essential element that helps the body produce insulin needed
for the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates.
“Without vitamin B6, your immune system, metabolism and
central nervous system would not function properly. The
active form of vitamin B6, called pyridoxal phosphate, has the
largest effect on human metabolism and each serving of
chicken contains 40 per cent of your daily recommended
vitamin B6 intake,” Adebiyi adds.
You have been told the many amazing benefits of eating
chicken. However, nutritionist and dietician, Dr. Segun Alonge,
maintains that for you to actually get the benefits
aforementioned, you must eat the right form of chicken, which
is the organic or grass-fed one.
Alonge says since organically raised animals are not fed
antibiotics, artificial hormones, or the bovine human growth
hormone, otherwise known as rbGH and they also do not eat
genetically modified foods, and cannot have their genes
modified, they contain nutrients that is good for the body.
He adds that organic chicken also contain no pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides, chemical or synthetic fertilisers, nitrates
or preservatives that could pose any harm to the body, unlike
the factory fed chicken.
“Organic chicken does not contain toxins, chemicals and
drugs that you will find in those commercially raised ones.
“Fat is where toxins are stored in any animal. Hence, growth
hormones and antibiotics fed to chickens end up in their fat.
“Eating those factory fed chicken increases your exposure to
residues of pesticides and synthetic chemicals such as DDT,
PCBs, dioxin, and more, which end up in animal fat. Such
chemicals can contribute to a number of health problems such
as diabetes.”
They say that since organic animals are reared under ethical
and conducive conditions, their meat is less likely to be
infected when compared to infection rates in factory-raised
animals.
“Factory-farmed animals live in feedlots that prevent normal
growth and development. Infections spread faster among
animals that are grown in a caged environment.
The chances of spreading infections in organically raised
animals are minimal because they feed outdoors, grazing on
grass and wandering freely on the farm,” he adds.
Tips for preparing chicken
Be extremely careful when handling raw chicken so that it
does not come in contact with other foods, especially
those that will be served uncooked.
Wash the cutting board, utensils, and even your hands
very well with hot, soapy water after handling the chicken.
If your recipe requires marinating, you should always do so
in the refrigerator, as chicken is very sensitive to heat,
which can increase the chances of spoilage.
throughout the world. Just about every country on this planet
has a famous chicken soup and recipe. It is so adaptable,
widely available, and reasonably affordable.
Many also prefer it to seafood and fish because of its
inoffensive taste that will not interfere with others, so it
marries well with bolder flavours.
But apart from its delicious taste, nutritionists say chicken is
especially good for the heart, as it contains the good fatty
acids which do not encourage weight gain — a predisposing
factor for coronary heart disease.
Consultant Nutritionist, Dr. Shola Adebiyi, says that the
Omega-3 fatty acids in chicken reduces risks of
cardiovascular diseases.
Adebiyi states, “Chicken is relatively low in saturated fats,
compared to many protein alternatives such as meat,
especially when the skin is removed and it is not fried.
disease by reducing your LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Basically,
eating chicken makes it easier for you to maintain a healthy
weight due to its low fat content.”
If you want to reduce your risks for some forms of cancer,
experts say you should incorporate chicken into your diet.
Food experts note that chicken is a great source of selenium
– a trace element that has been shown to fight cancer.
They affirm that selenium has a positive effect on the
incidence of other degenerative diseases, including
inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological
diseases and infections.
“A part of chicken contains 24 microgrammes of selenium,
which is 44 per cent of the selenium you need daily. Selenium
is an antioxidant that activates vitamins C and E and their
ability to fight cancer-promoting free radicals.”
Many are aware of the fact that chicken is one of the richest
sources of protein, but few actually know that chicken is
loaded with vitamin B3, B6 and niacin — nutrients that have
been known to boost immunity, protect against infections and
also help cell regeneration and rejuvenation.
Experts highlight that vitamin B6 found in chicken is an
essential element that helps the body produce insulin needed
for the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates.
“Without vitamin B6, your immune system, metabolism and
central nervous system would not function properly. The
active form of vitamin B6, called pyridoxal phosphate, has the
largest effect on human metabolism and each serving of
chicken contains 40 per cent of your daily recommended
vitamin B6 intake,” Adebiyi adds.
You have been told the many amazing benefits of eating
chicken. However, nutritionist and dietician, Dr. Segun Alonge,
maintains that for you to actually get the benefits
aforementioned, you must eat the right form of chicken, which
is the organic or grass-fed one.
Alonge says since organically raised animals are not fed
antibiotics, artificial hormones, or the bovine human growth
hormone, otherwise known as rbGH and they also do not eat
genetically modified foods, and cannot have their genes
modified, they contain nutrients that is good for the body.
He adds that organic chicken also contain no pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides, chemical or synthetic fertilisers, nitrates
or preservatives that could pose any harm to the body, unlike
the factory fed chicken.
“Organic chicken does not contain toxins, chemicals and
drugs that you will find in those commercially raised ones.
“Fat is where toxins are stored in any animal. Hence, growth
hormones and antibiotics fed to chickens end up in their fat.
“Eating those factory fed chicken increases your exposure to
residues of pesticides and synthetic chemicals such as DDT,
PCBs, dioxin, and more, which end up in animal fat. Such
chemicals can contribute to a number of health problems such
as diabetes.”
They say that since organic animals are reared under ethical
and conducive conditions, their meat is less likely to be
infected when compared to infection rates in factory-raised
animals.
“Factory-farmed animals live in feedlots that prevent normal
growth and development. Infections spread faster among
animals that are grown in a caged environment.
The chances of spreading infections in organically raised
animals are minimal because they feed outdoors, grazing on
grass and wandering freely on the farm,” he adds.
Tips for preparing chicken
Be extremely careful when handling raw chicken so that it
does not come in contact with other foods, especially
those that will be served uncooked.
Wash the cutting board, utensils, and even your hands
very well with hot, soapy water after handling the chicken.
If your recipe requires marinating, you should always do so
in the refrigerator, as chicken is very sensitive to heat,
which can increase the chances of spoilage.
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