Chicken

Chicken meat is a popular food product all over the world. Perhaps only vegetarians do not like fragrant meat with a crispy crust, baked with spices and sauces. And a big plus of chicken is that it is not only tasty, but also extremely healthy. And prepared in a special way, it is suitable even for the smallest children and adults with various diseases.

What is this bird?

The chicken is a poultry of the genus Gallus, the Pheasant family. Practically does not fly. It is bred for eggs, meat, down and feathers. After centuries of selective breeding, hundreds of breeds with different physical characteristics have emerged. There are separate hybrids of chickens that give a lot of tasty meat, other breeds are bred for eggs, and there are so-called meat-and-egg breeds. A separate group should be noted birds bred specifically for cockfighting, dwarf, decorative birds. The weight of an average chicken ranges from one and a half to five kilograms, a rooster can weigh 1 kg more.

Modern chickens are the descendants of birds that lived in the jungles of Southeast Asia, and which man domesticated more than 10 thousand years ago. There are different opinions about who first domesticated the chicken. Initially, the researchers assumed that this turn in the agricultural environment happened in India, China or Thailand. Now, scientists have changed their minds a little and call Vietnam the birthplace of domestic chickens. Archaeologists also found the bones of this bird in Egyptian tombs of the 18th dynasty, which is about 1400 BC. e. Around 500 BC, chickens appeared in Greece, then spread throughout Europe. And the bird reached the shores of North and South America only by 1350. Chickens are one of the most common pets today.

It is said that about 24 billion domestic chickens live on the planet at all times.

Nutritional value of chicken meat

No other lean protein is more respected by nutritionists than chicken breast. This type of meat is called the source of ideal proteins, which contain all the amino acids necessary for a person.

Protein is necessary for development, growth, as a source of energy.

In addition, this product contains large amounts of B vitamins – substances that are indispensable for the nervous system and blood vessels involved in metabolic processes. Chicken meat provides the body with selenium and many other important minerals that affect the health of people at any age.

Health benefits

Chicken is a traditional ingredient in almost all protein diets for weight loss.

This meat is ideal for those who follow the figure, as it practically does not contain fat, but provides the necessary energy and more.

Protein source

This is the first and most well-known benefit of chicken. The fillet contains about 18-20 g of proteins, which is quite high. Proteins are necessary for a person to build muscle tissue. Nutritionists advise to consume proteins daily in the proportion of 1 g per 1 kg of body weight. Athletes are recommended to double the daily rate.

Contains beneficial vitamins and minerals

But don’t just focus on protein. Chicken meat has a huge amount of other useful substances, including vitamins and minerals. This “cocktail” of nutrients prevents:

• cataract;
• skin diseases;
• weakening of immunity;
• weakness;
• disorders of the digestive process;
• malfunction of the nervous system;
• migraine;
• heart disease;
• increased cholesterol;
• diabetes;
• posedenie volos.

It is also important to remember the vitamin D contained in meat, which promotes the absorption of calcium and strengthens bones. Vitamin A improves vision, and iron prevents anemia. Considering that chicken contains potassium, phosphorus and sodium, it becomes clear why this type of meat is good for bones, brain, proper metabolism and protection against dental diseases.

Assistance in weight loss

Protein diets are considered one of the most effective for weight loss. And the benefits of chicken in the process of losing weight have been laboratory proven. Experiments have confirmed: people who regularly eat chicken are easier to part with extra pounds or do not gain them at all.

stable blood pressure

Scientists for many years followed a group of people who agreed to take part in the study. It turned out that people whose diet contains poultry meat are less prone to jumps in blood pressure.

Minimal risk of cancer

Scientists, referring to the results of many studies, suggest that red meat lovers are more at risk of certain types of cancer. What is not observed in chicken lovers. But this is only an assumption of certain groups of scientists, which, however, is not a reason to give up pork or beef for the rest of your life.

lower cholesterol

The daily diet of many people today is full of unhealthy fats that cause an increase in cholesterol in the body. Chicken, fish, vegetables are among the foods that not only protect against a further increase in cholesterol levels, but also improve existing indicators.

Benefits for colds

Probably, many will now remember how, in childhood, their mothers cooked delicious chicken broth every time the illness put them to bed. And this is no coincidence. A decoction of chicken meat and bones contains many components that are important for the sick organism. It may seem fantastic, but regular chicken broth relieves colds, sore throats and nasal congestion.

Natural antidepressant

Chicken meat contains the amino acid tryptophan, which helps improve mood. Of course, a delicious soup, baked wings or bird’s paws – this is already pleasing, but there is also a “hand” of chemistry in this process. Tryptophan affects brain cells, causing additional production of serotonin, a hormone that is responsible for raising mood, smoothing out the effects of stress, and calming.

Strengthens bones

Poultry meat is an excellent choice for the elderly. Chicken prevents bone loss and is also beneficial for those with osteoporosis or arthritis.

Bird for the heart

If the level of the amino acid homocysteine ​​in the body rises, this can cause cardiovascular disease. And now the good news. Chicken breast contains substances that control the level of amino acids in the body.

Reduces PMS Symptoms

Poultry meat is useful for women with pronounced symptoms of PMS. The fact is that the magnesium contained in the product has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, calming it down. And this means that your favorite chicken dish will definitely smooth out mood swings, irritability and other symptoms that are characteristic of premenstrual syndrome.

Increases Testosterone Levels

A serving of bird fillet is useful not only for women, but also for men. This product is important for the stronger sex as a source of zinc. And this mineral is extremely important for maintaining adequate testosterone levels and sperm formation.

When is the best time to give up chicken?

Protein, being one of the main benefits of chicken, may be a reason for some people to give up poultry meat. This applies to people with intolerance to protein foods. This product is also not suitable for people with food allergies, as it contains histamine. Not the best choice is smoked and too fatty chicken, as it can cause an increase in cholesterol, and this leads to atherosclerosis.

Do not buy meat from unverified suppliers, so as not to get a set of antibiotics and other “chemistry” along with the bird carcass, which is sometimes fed to chickens in poultry farms.

Poorly cooked meat is especially dangerous because it can contain life-threatening bacteria and viruses.

How to choose and store chicken meat

When buying a whole chicken, it is important to pay attention to its breast – it should be strong enough and rounded, proportional in size (a sign that the bird was not fed with hormones). Fresh meat, when lightly pressed, is supple, without an unpleasant odor and damage (hematomas, cuts, broken bones). Fat and skin should be light and tender (old carcasses have thick, yellow skin). Sticky skin is a sure sign of an expired product. Frozen chicken meat should be free of icing. An equally important rule is to buy meat in official outlets.

If you are not going to cook the bird right away, it can be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, but not longer than 2-3 days. For a longer period, a freezer is suitable. Do not keep fresh meat in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed plastic bag. It is better to transfer the fillet or carcass to a saucepan with ice.

What to cook with chicken

It seems that almost everything can be cooked from chicken: from the simplest appetizers to masterpieces worthy of major celebrations. Below are a couple of quick ideas for easy but delicious chicken dishes.

Chicken Salad

Add cherries or cranberries, pitted grapes cut in half, diced apple, green onions and boiled mushrooms to the fried chicken breast. Gently mix all the ingredients, salt, pepper and season with your favorite sauce.

Bright sandwiches

Put slices of cucumber, onion, bell pepper and boiled chicken on a slice of toasted bread with butter. Top with mayonnaise or ketchup and cover with a second piece of bread.

But no matter what dish the chicken turns into, it is better to give preference to lean meat, without skin. Natural spices such as turmeric, coriander, rosemary, curry will help enhance the taste of chicken. The most useful nutritionists call boiled or baked chicken. But frying a carcass in a large amount of fat is not advised to anyone.

Experienced chefs have their own little secrets that make chicken dishes even tastier. And the main one is to know from which part of the carcass it is better to cook this or that dish. Here are some hints:

• for broths, soups – the carcass of an older bird;
• for cutlets, meatballs – tender meat of young birds;
• for chops, cutlets, pies, salads, jellied meats, pilaf, sausages – fillets, parts of meat from the thigh and drumstick;
• for hodgepodge, borscht, pickle – chicken back, offal.

Minced meat can be baked in the cut skin, and chicken fat is perfect for making pates.

Chicken regularly appears on our tables and, it would seem, everyone already knows about this product. But scientists continue to study the chemical composition of meat and its effect on humans. And who knows, maybe this bird holds many more secrets. But let the researchers think about it, and we will enjoy tasty and healthy chicken.