It has been a long-standing fact that chicken is a good source of protein and one of the best kinds of meat to eat for all age brackets. If this is true, then there is need to know and understand the kind of nutrition it gives and the nutritional value of every part of chicken. It is only right to be confident that you are not only eating the right thing, but you are also eating it in the right proportion. Knowing and understanding chicken nutrition is not only a way to improve your health status as an individual; it also helps you become knowledgeable when you have to help someone else, when it comes to dieting, choice of meat and any other thing that will require the understanding of chicken nutrition.
Chickens are known to be highly nutritious but not many know the exact kind of nutrients available in them, and the benefits of each of these nutritional elements. A 59g serving of chicken has been proven to contain 188 calories. This is known to have 17g of fat (4.9g of saturated fat and 47mg of cholesterol), 8.3g of protein, and other vitamins. These vitamins are the focus of this article as they are the unspoken hero in chicken nutrition for the role each of them plays in everyday metabolism that happen in our bodies. Let us start with some other nutrients which are not commonly known when chicken nutrition is being discussed.
These are the salient nutrients:
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin, popularly known as vitamin B3 takes a whopping 18% of one serving of chicken, making it the most abundant mineral nutrient in chicken nutrition. It is the one vitamin that helps keep the body in shape. The main function of this micro nutrient is the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD); these chemicals are so vital to the body because they are involved in over 400 biochemical processes in the body. Although the body synthesizes this nutrient, however, because it is water soluble, the body does not retain it. This implies that there is the possibility of passing out excess amount of this vitamin through urine. There is nothing to fear because there are quite a number of food sources from which you can get this vitamin and chicken is not left out. Therefore, it is safe to say that a serving of chicken breast can get your body system working perfectly.
Study has shown that oral intake of the prescribed niacin is of less benefit compared to the naturally synthesized, as well as the one gotten from food sources. The prescribed version could stir up side effects that are, in some cases, worse than the work of the drug itself. Hence, it is safe to get the healthier version. Are you easily tired, or cholesterol deficient? Do you have a heart disease? Then get a fill of chicken in the right proportion and you are well on your way to having a balanced system and less fatigued day.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
The second most abundant vitamin in chicken nutrition is pantothenic acid otherwise known as vitamin B5. Just as the name implies, it is one vitamin that you find everywhere just as the name implies – pantou – the Greek word meaning everywhere. As much as it is available in all foods, the chicken gets to have it as the second most abundant making chicken a very good source. Although this vitamin also performs the same role as other B vitamins, it still has some important functions in the body. These functions include: formation of the red blood cells, production of sex and stress-related hormones, converting food into glucose and synthesizing cholesterol. This vitamin helps our digestive system and works with the body in using other vitamins. Like other B vitamins, B5 is also water-soluble; therefore, the body does not store it. That implies the need for a daily intake. Having chicken everyday as part your meal will make a smart choice in balancing the existence of this vitamin in the body.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
This is a vitamin that ladies will love because of the role it plays in the body, and it is the third most abundant vitamin of the chicken nutrition unspoken hero nutrient. It forms 7% of the nutrient composition in chicken. Apart from functioning like B3, Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine, and Pyridoxal which are all forms of vitamin B6, is vital in the development of nerves, skin, brain and a lot of other parts of the body. It is confirmed based on people’s experience mostly, to be a great preventive medicine for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), morning sickness in pregnant women, heart disease, depression, Alzheimer disease, and many more. For ladies who get agitated whenever the thought of the menstrual cycle comes up, and elderly folks battling with heart condition or Alzheimer disease, give yourselves some chicken treat; and you can have your fears dispelled.
Phosphorus
Healthy bones and teeth are proof of the presence of the right amount of Phosphorus in the body. Phosphorus is one of the major minerals required by the body, and in large amounts, for the body to stay in health. This mineral is responsible for the formation of our genetic material (DNA and RNA), it helps to maintain a balanced body pH, helps in delivering Oxygen from the red blood cells to the body, and production of phospholipids, a vital fat that is part of the composition of the cells’ membranes. This unspoken hero vitamin also helps the body to synthesize energy and is a major player in the excellent functioning of our nerve cells and brain. It is such a pleasure to know that this mineral is available in chicken nutrition. This beautiful mineral helps remove wastes and repair damaged tissues.
So the next time you are served a bowl of chicken soup or any other form of chicken meal, rejoice because you have just been served a bowl of goodness!
