Everyone is well-aware that chicken soup is good for the mind and soul. No matter the form — grilled, baked, roasted, stewed or curried — there is no denying that eating poultry is beneficial!
Going for the breast and removing the skin, most especially, is an excellent choice. This allows you to enjoy all the perks of chicken with very little saturated fats that other meat sources are packed with. It’s exactly for this reason why chicken breast is a staple in the diets of health-conscious and weight-watching individuals.
The following are some of the reasons why serving chicken on the table is undeniably a win-win situation:
Chicken is a Wonderful Source of Protein
We all know that protein is important for building and maintaining muscles. Did you know that protein is also vital for so many other things?
For instance, you need protein for the production of hormones. It also sometimes serves as an enzyme that helps in carrying out certain chemical reactions in your body. Protein is important for healthy hair, nails and skin too.
Speaking of skin, including protein in the diet also encourages the production of collagen, something that maintains the skin’s softness and elasticity which helps ward off or improve fine lines and wrinkles.
It Helps Lift Your Mood
There’s a specific reason why chicken soup can make you feel great, and it’s due to tryptophan in chicken. Tryptophan is actually a form of amino acid, and it is capable of increasing your brain’s serotonin levels. By the way, serotonin is sometimes referred to as the “happy hormone”.
Chicken’s tryptophan also helps in reducing the impact of stress in your body. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to fall asleep. A small serving of chicken soup before bedtime can be beneficial for anyone who is suffering from insomnia.
Eating Chicken May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Unlike other animal sources of protein such as beef and pork, chicken contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. It’s exactly for this reason why the consumption of chicken is recommended for those who are at risk of heart disease.
Thanks to the minimal cholesterol content of chicken, it’s easier to save your arteries from ending up clogged. You don’t want to have clogged arteries because it may cause your blood pressure to increase, and this is something that can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke, most especially if it’s left uncontrolled.
Chicken Also Helps Ward Off Osteoporosis
It’s true that calcium is very important for stronger bones. But did you know that you also need to supply your body with protein for you to attain strong and healthy bones?
Don’t just focus on consuming foods that are rich in calcium if you want to save yourself from fractures and osteoporosis risk. It’s also a good idea to include protein-rich chicken in your diet. Since protein is low in saturated fats, it’s less likely for you to gain excess pounds, something which is terrible for your bones and joints.
By the way, chicken is also a great source of phosphorus. This essential mineral, according to the experts, is important for strong and healthy bones as well as teeth!
It Speeds Up Your Metabolic Rate
Are you on the hunt for some of the most effective ways to combat excess weight? Simply include more chicken breast in your diet!
It’s no secret that protein, which is found abundantly in chicken, is very good at speeding up the metabolic rate. Chicken is also something that makes you satiated, thus making it easier for you to steer clear of overeating.
Additionally, there’s plenty of vitamin B6 in chicken too. Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 helps give you energy so that you may remain active physically, which is an integral part of healthy weight loss.
