Chicken breast, a lean cut of meat, is taken from the chicken's pectoral muscle and is usually called white meat. The versatile meat cut can be grilled, boiled, baked, or fried; it will grace your dinner plate in any way!
But, do you know chicken breast is not only a good source of protein, it also contains many other nutrients and offers various health benefits? Yes, you heard it right. Chicken breast satisfies your taste buds and is packed with healthy nutrients that help you lose weight and make your mood better, bones, and muscles strong.
So, having this low-cost meat piece on your plate will be beneficial. If you want to know the breast piece's nutritional value and health benefits, continue to read!
Chicken Breast Nutrition Facts
Let’s find which nutrients chicken breast provides us:
Fats
Chicken breasts without skin have very tiny amounts of fat. One piece of meat will give you less than 3 grams of fat. If you consume chicken breast with skin, you may consume more fat. Besides that, the amount of fat also depends on the cooking method. For instance, the fat ratio will increase using more cooking oil.
Carbohydrates
The chicken breast doesn't have starch and sugar, making it carbs-free. Also, the glycemic load of chicken is zero. So, if you are losing weight, chicken breast is the best choice!
Proteins
It is a natural source of protein. One chicken breast of about 172 grams can provide you with 54 grams of protein. This way, you can fulfill the body's protein needs without consuming fat!
Vitamins And Minerals
The meat is a vital source of Vitamin B and Vitamin D, while traces of Vitamin A are also present in chicken breast. It is a good source of phosphorous and Selenium minerals. Selenium is required in making DNA and is needed for thyroid functioning.
Calories
Due to high protein and low fat, chicken breast has fewer calories than other cuts of chicken. Chicken breast provides only 284 calories, making it an ideal food for weight-conscious people.
Chicken Breast Health Benefits
Here are the amazing health benefits of chicken breast:
Makes The Muscles And Bones Strong
Chicken breast has several valuable amino acids which act as building blocks for making muscle tissue. The meat provides good lean protein, which plays a key role in making your bones and muscles stronger.
Help In Weight Management
For weight loss, a high protein with less fat is recommended. Chicken breast is the finest choice for people who want to lose as it is a rich source of protein and provides a little amount of saturated fat. Consuming chicken breast without skin is recommended; you can cut more fat.
Makes The Mood Better
The chicken breast is not only a good source of protein, but it also provides Tryptophan, an amino acid. As the Tryptophan enters your body, it makes you happier by increasing the level of Serotine. Therefore, having chicken meat on your plate will always bring pleasure!
Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Chicken breast or white meat has zero sugar and starch, making it a perfect meal for diabetic patients. A smaller amount of fat and calories in chicken breast also minimizes the risk of Type 2 diabetes, making it a healthy meal option.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Chicken breast has low cholesterol and fat, which makes it a healthy option for heart and heart patients. Saturated fat increases heart attack rate by blocking the blood vessels. Therefore, if you are avoiding red meat, chicken is the best choice to fulfill your protein needs by keeping your heart healthy!
Helps In Muscle Recovery
Amino acids present in the chicken breast help in repairing the muscles. Consuming protein or chicken breast after work is ideal for losing weight.
Improves The Immunity
Chicken breast contains numerous healthy minerals such as phosphorous, iron, and Selenium. These minerals are beneficial for a healthy immune system. Iron is a good source of hemoglobin. Hence, these minerals strengthen our immune system and help our body fight against infections.
Boosts The Metabolism
Due to the high protein amount, chicken breast boosts the metabolism. Digesting protein requires more energy, making the metabolism work fast. A good metabolism makes our lifestyle healthy and helps in maintain weight.
Brain Functioning
Chicken breast is an incredible source of niacin and vitamin B6, essential for brain functioning. Neurological function is controlled by niacin, while Vitamin B6 helps make neurotransmitters.
Chicken Breast: Healthy Preparations
There are a few quick and easy ways to make delicious chicken for a healthy diet.
Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breast with a little spice and grill it; add some vegetable salad to make your meal healthier. Grilled chicken breast is ideal for family dinners!
Stir-Fried Chicken
To eat healthy and tasty, fry the chicken breast and fresh vegetables in a little oil. In this way, you will get enough protein and fiber.
Baked Chicken
Baked chicken breast is ideal if you are on a weight loss journey. It has less fat and calories. Due to high protein, it will keep you fuller longer. Add some herbs and spices on top of the chicken and bake it with beans and mushrooms to make it more delicious and tempting.
Conclusion:
Chicken breast contains protein, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. The meat not only tastes good but also brings many health benefits. If you want to lose weight, chicken breast can help you in that as it is rich in proteins.
Besides that, having chicken breast on your dinner plate will boost your mood, improve heart health, aid muscle recovery, improve immunity, and boost your metabolism. So, adding chicken breast to your daily meal will not be bad at all!
