Guide To The Health Benefits Of Chicken

Chicken is a popular and delicious food. Its light, flaky texture is pleasant, and the taste can be customized. Thus, chicken is a good choice for dinners, lunches, and snacks as well. In addition to being delicious, chicken comes with a number of health benefits. Eating a certain amount of chicken every day makes a difference in overall mental and physical wellness.

Individuals have many options when it comes to how they want to eat chicken, including chicken wings, baked chicken breast, and even a homemade chicken broth. In all cases, individuals have access to health benefits from chicken. Some say they can eat chicken to build muscle mass, as part of their weight loss regimen, and more. Individuals should examine the health benefits of chicken in detail so they get the most out of it.

Builds Muscle

In many cases, when bodybuilders want to increase muscle mass, chicken is one of their popular meal choices. One of the reasons for this is that chicken is lean meat that builds muscle. It is also one of the most affordable foods for building muscles. When athletes choose to incorporate chicken into their meal plan, they must understand that the part of the chicken they eat plays a role in how much muscle they will build. For instance, chicken breasts have a higher protein content than chicken thighs. Thighs and other body parts have a larger amount of fat, so it is harder to build muscle. Also, it is best to take the skin off the chicken for a leaner, healthier portion.

Baking, broiling, and grilling the chicken without butter are recommended for lower fat consumption. Instead, individuals should try cooking the chicken in coconut oil for the best benefits. Grass-fed, free-range chickens are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Thus, they have the most healing properties. After a workout, consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce muscle soreness, swelling, and range-of-motion-related damage. These fatty acids also encourage protein synthesis, which is responsible for growing stronger muscular tissue.

Boosts Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. With around twenty-five percent of American deaths caused by heart-related conditions, individuals must learn the importance of eating a healthy diet. While most individuals are familiar with the benefits of lean red meats, they are unaware that lean chicken also boosts heart health. Studies show that chicken reduces both bad and total cholesterol. Chicken also reduces the risk of developing heart disease. When cooked properly, chicken is one of the healthiest cuts of meat available. However, cooking methods like frying causes higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is the cholesterol responsible for clogging the arteries.

Frying oils are also responsible for a spike in cholesterol. Oils have more calories and trans fat. It is vital to note that trans fat is believed to be the unhealthiest type that someone can eat. However, not only does trans fat increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but it also eliminates good cholesterol. Choosing the right piece of the chicken also plays a part in balancing good and bad cholesterol. Consuming breast meat reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels the most, followed by thighs, wings, and legs.