The importance of a high protein diet to your health cannot be overstated. As part of the general repair of your body, protein plays a critical role in post-workout recovery. It can also aid in strengthening your immunity, heightening energy levels, and in keeping you fuller, for longer.
To this day, the best method to acquire the proper amount of protein the body needs is still through the consumption of protein-rich food. In this area, chicken has long been considered as one of the best sources of protein — chicken carries over 30g of protein per 100g when skinless, and contains negligible amounts of fat.
A Good Source of Protein
As one of the most commonly consumed meats, chicken breast is a great source of protein and is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. It typically contains 165 calories and 31 grams of protein for every 100 grams. Eighty percent of its calories are from protein, whereas approximately 20% are from fat.
Chicken breast can be a great contributor towards achieving health and fitness goals, since it’s a food that has very high protein content, despite having low calorie count — making it well suited for weight management, weight loss, and muscle mass maintenance.
Chicken is rich in vitamins and minerals
In addition to providing the body with sufficient proteins, chicken provides essential vitamins and minerals which are also crucial for weight management. Several classes of B vitamins play an important role in the production of energy and the health of red blood cells. Chicken is rich in vitamin D, which is vital for calcium absorption and bone strength. Iron is also an essential mineral that is present in chicken, which helps in preventing anemia, improving muscle activity, and making hemoglobin.
Chicken is a staple for weight management diets
A high protein diet can be ideal for weight loss, since it helps in preventing you from overeating. What more, a diet that is rich in protein, coupled with proper exercise, promotes the growth of lean muscles — which in turn helps the body burn more calories. As mentioned above, chicken is an excellent source of protein, making it one of the best choices for this type of diet.
Chicken can help reduce cholesterol
Throughout the years, people have been constantly looking for ways to reduce their cholesterol levels through various treatment and dietary options. It is common for people who consume red meat in large quantities, such as lamb, pork, and beef that contain saturated fats to have high cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease. This can be offset by implementing leaner, less fatty options such as chicken, fish, and vegetables to your diet.
Chicken as an all-natural antidepressant
There has been a marked increase in stress-related illnesses, depression, and other metal-related ailments in recent years.
Fortunately, eating chicken might just help in improving your mood when you’re feeling down.
Chicken and foods like cheese, peanut, turkey and tuna contain an amino acid that goes by the name of tryptophan. Tryptophan is important when it comes to brain function and healthy sleep… and also in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a crucial hormone that is in charge of stabilizing your mood, promoting feelings of well-being, and making you happy.
Eating chicken may help maintain lower blood pressure levels
Chicken protein has been dubbed as one of the most heart-healthy proteins out there. Combined with a low-sodium, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, chicken can be considered as one of the best meat choices for people who are suffering from high blood pressure because of its relatively low cholesterol content.
Chicken is good for your skin
While chicken has long been highly touted in the health and fitness industry for its high protein and low calorie content, one of the lesser known effects of eating chicken is that it can actually be beneficial for the skin as well.
Chicken carries a substance known as vitamin B2, also called riboflavin. Riboflavin promotes mucus secretion in the skin, preventing dryness that increases oil production (which causes acne), and even helps to improve the absorption of zinc and other essential minerals that contribute to the overall health of the skin.
Another thing that makes chicken such an ideal addition to your healthy diet planning is that it’s so convenient. It’s easy to acquire — it can be found in most grocery stores — and there is simply no end to the number of dishes that you can make using chicken since it’s so versatile! It can be a meal, and it can be a quick, high protein snack you can grab on the run, just like our Chicken BBQ jerky — simply the best way to enjoy a savory, bite-sized meat snack without having to give up all the accompanying health benefits!