Don’t let the chicken fly!
Joan Sumpio, RND
Many adults think that eating chicken is something only children do. But of course, there are still those who go to to any restaurant where the chicken dishes are simply irresistible. If people will only love chicken for its mega health benefits, I think we will run out of restaurants to accommodate millions of people who will start having their daily chicken meals.
Aside from the general protein component that chicken adds to our diets, it is naturally an excellent source of the amino acid tryptophan. Many physiologic substances are made from tryptophan such as serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, sleep, and impulse control. This amino acid can help relieve minor pre-menstrual symptoms and reduce carbohydrate cravings. Not only is tryptophan important for moods, it is also necessary for our bodies’ production of vitamin B-3.
As we age and become more prone to health risks, chicken gives us good protection for it has less saturated fat content than beef. Often people ask whether they should remove chicken skin for healthier eating. The answer is relative to our purpose for eating. Chicken is mostly made up of monounsaturated fatty acids which are known to help increase good cholesterol; thus, it is acceptable to have your chicken skins on. However, if one is on a weight-control program, removing chicken skin can help reduce the overall fat content of the meal.
Chicken, being a source of vitamin B-3, may give us heart protection. Other than this, niacin may also help prevent DNA damage (and may be of help for cancer prevention). Going further to the benefits of niacin, research published in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry indicates that the regular consumption of niacin-rich food like chicken provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Aside from vitamin B-3, chicken also provides vitamin B-6. This particular mix of B-complex vitamins makes chicken a helpful food in supporting energy metabolism throughout the body, because these B vitamins are involved as cofactors that help enzymes throughout the body guide metabolic reactions. Niacin helps optimize blood sugar regulation via its actions as a component of a molecule called glucose tolerance factor, which optimizes insulin activity. Vitamin B6 is essential for the body’s processing of carbohydrate (sugar and starch), especially the breakdown of glycogen, the form in which sugar is stored in muscle cells and to a lesser extent in our liver.
This good protein food is also a source of the trace mineral selenium. Selenium is of fundamental importance to human health. It is an essential component of several major metabolic pathways, including thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function.
Let chicken be popular not only with children but adults as wellso we can reap the benefits from its wide range of nutrients.
during my protien loading stage..
i remember eating at least 3/4 kg of chicken breast (manok! indi kay breast sang kung anu anu) and 4 scoops of whey protien each day....nag gain ko weight from 145 lbs to 180lbs pure meat in two years....
ahayyy...
looy man ang mga manok bah....
pero namit tood na..! kapin pa ang chickenJOY..!
hehehe..!
:D :D