Chicken is undoubtedly the most popular form of poultry, across the world. It also happens to be one of the most versatile in terms of cooking style – indeed; chicken may be cooked in countless amount of diverse ways. One would be truly surprised to learn the different ways chicken can be prepared in other countries and other cultures.

Types of Chicken:

There are certain types of ‘modern chicken’ that have been brought up only to be a source of meat, and there’s an important link between the feed given to animal and how much meat it is capable of, like the Cornish Cross.  Chickens such as the Cornish Cross are known ‘Broiler’s’ – a Broiler is a chicken that is bred specifically for meat production.

In America, the Cornish Cross and White Rock are the most widely consumed types of broilers, being specifically brought up to be a source of food.  Generally speaking, broilers are usually slaughtered when young – The Cornish Cross hybrids may even be slaughtered as young as 8 weeks. 

Nutrition Facts of Chicken:

Chicken is packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals. Chicken also contains fat, but the fat is not saturated, meaning that it is good for you and needed by your body. Below we have mentioned the health benefits of chicken along with its advantages.  

Health Benefits of Chicken:

Proteins

We need to include proteins in our diet on a daily basis in order to increase our bone density, as well as to prevent osteoporosis. We must eat proteins daily because our body is incapable of storing them, which means we need to restore them again and again.  The daily protein requirement for an adult ranges from 48 grams to 58 grams which can be easily met by eating 180 grams of chicken on a daily basis.

Vitamins

Chicken nutrition facts state that it is loaded with the vitamins B! 
Vitamin B6 is found in plentiful amounts in chicken. Now that’s a great thing because vitamin B6 is required to create red blood cells, which is one the most common blood cell in our body.  
Moreover, chicken also has vitamin B3 which is a vital element of the digestive system. Nearly 80 % of the vitamin B3 requirement can be met my eating 3 ounces of chicken on a daily basis.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are required by the body to ensure the proper formation of bones, teeth and hair. Amino acids are also needed by the body in order to regulate the fluid balance and acid balance in the body, in addition to maintaining the blood vessels. The issue is that our body is incapable of creating amino acids on its own, and so it requires us to make sure we are meeting our amino acid requirement with our diet.   By eating chicken on a daily basis, we can meet our amino acids requirement.   

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that is crucial for the maturity of the human body.  Selenium is important mainly because it aids in the prevention of cellular damage. It is believed to even prevent cancer. Although grains are the main source of selenium, this essential mineral may also be found in chicken. Approximately 3 ounces of chicken breast has about 20 grams of selenium which helps to meet around 35 % of the daily value of selenium.

Phosphorous

Yet another essential mineral found in chicken; phosphorous helps maintain our teeth and bones, in addition to lending a hand in the synthesis of proteins along with protecting our muscles. Around 3 ounces of chicken contains about 300 milligrams of phosphorous.

Potassium

And another: Potassium is a mineral that is needed by the body to carry out its roles properly. For instance, potassium is required so that our muscles can work properly, in addition to assisting in the creation of energy along with helping the kidneys in removing the toxins from the body. About 4 ounces of chicken is packed with about 300 milligrams of potassium.

 Interesting Facts on Chicken Breast Nutrition

• Chicken breast has the least amount of fat amongst the whole chicken!  
• Even when weighted against stir-fried meat, lean chicken breast has the least amount of fat and saturated fatty acids (both of which are unhealthy)
• Skinless chicken breast is much healthier compared to chicken breast with skin.
• The breast is an amazing source of vitamin A and vitamin E.
• Chicken breast has low cholesterol.
• The niacin equivalents in chicken help in the metabolism process.
• The protein level in addition to the cholesterol level in chicken breast remains the same, with or without the skin.

Reality Check: Nutritional Facts of Cooked Chicken

It is very important to bear in mind that the nutritional value and benefits of chicken suffers from 360 degree striking transformation after being cooked. 

Unfortunately, most people think that any chicken item is healthy. Don’t get us wrong, chicken is healthy but what people don’t understand is that just because chicken in itself is healthy, that does not mean every cooked chicken dish healthy!  For example, deep fried Kentucky chicken is NOT healthy. It is full of calories and saturated fat. The same goes for chicken that has been marinated in oil and butter.  You’re also not doing yourself any favors by eating a salad if it is covered in salad dressings which are packed with calories.

Therefore, it is necessary to make sure you adopt cooking methods that retain the nutritional values and benefits of chicken after being cooked.  It would be wise to start with skinning the chicken as it contains half the amount of fat in the whole chicken. Moreover, instead of frying your chicken, it is suggested that you use methods such as steaming, grilling, roasting and baking to cook your chicken. Moreover, if you must use oil then use olive oil.