Chicken Health Benefits and Side Effects

Chicken meat can help in maintaining healthy body mass, especially in people with obesity.

It is a great source of protein, a nutrient highly essential for maintaining body mass. 

Furthermore, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals can cause damage to the body cells and tissues. This could lead to dry patches on the skin and skin cracking. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is essential for the growth and damage repair of the body cells and tissues. Chicken breast and liver are particularly rich in vitamin B2. Consumption of chicken can, thus, help in preventing damage to the body cells and effectively promote the growth of worn-out tissues.

(Read more: Best foods for muscle growth)

Bone density loss is a common condition prevalent in middle-aged people around the world, especially women. Loss of bone density may lead to other serious conditions as osteoporosis. Since it is rich in phosphorus and calicum, inclusion of chicken meat in diet in appropriate amounts helps in increasing bone mass and density. 

Calcium and phosphorus are the most essential components required for healthy teeth and bones.

The phosphorus content of chicken has been found to be beneficial in preventing tooth decay.

(Read more: Five foods to make your teeth and gums stronger)

People with diabetes need a healthier source of protein to fulfil their dietary requirements. A study was conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes where red meat was replaced with chicken in their regular diet. Results of the studies indicated that an alternative strategy could be used to treat such patients. The strategy involves the use of chicken as the only source of meat in the normal diet of such people for managing diabetes.

(Read more: What to eat and what not to eat in diabetes)

Kidney problems are commonly observed in people with type 2 diabetes. Such people usually experience more frequent urination. A research study indicated that replacing chicken as the only protein source in the diet of such people may have beneficial results. The results of the study found that the rate of urination was significantly reduced in the patients who ate chicken. Additionally, patients suffering from microalbuminuria (an increase in urine albumin, a serum protein that is filtered by the kidneys in small amounts) were also found to have reduced amounts of albumin content in their urine.

(Read more: Microalbumin test)

Chicken has also been found to be effective against cancer. Studies show that people who consume chicken in the required amounts have a lower risk of cancer than people who do not. Vitamin B3 present in chicken is believed to contribute to its anti-cancerous property.  However, in vivo studies are required to establish the anti-cancerous property of chicken.

(Read more: Difference between cancer and tumour)

Chicken hosts a variety of vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin E, and Vitamin K. All these vitamins help in the production of blood cells.

Anaemia is caused due to iron deficiency. The inclusion of chicken, especially its liver, in a regular diet provides the body with the iron supplement it requires. Replenishing the blood with iron can help in treating anaemia and other related conditions.

(Read more: Foods to eat and avoid in anaemia)

Vitamin B is required to maintain good mental health. It is found in generous amounts in chicken. Studies have found that the intake of chicken can help prevent anxiety, stress, and other mental health-related issues. Consumption of chicken can also help to improve concentration power in children and adults as suggested by the findings of a study. Additionally, nutritionists recommend that consuming chicken can slow down the progress of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

(Read more: How to increase brain power)

Chicken is abundantly rich in various nutrients and minerals. These nutrients are required in adequate amounts for the proper functioning of the immune system. Hence, it helps in boosting immunity. Consuming chicken also plays an important role in getting rid of toxins such as free radicals (causing damage to the internal organs) from the body. Free radicals are unstable molecular entities that are produced as a result of the body's own metabolic processes but their number increases with age and due to poor diet or lifestyle.

(Read more: Antioxidant foods)

The minerals and nutrients of chicken can be very beneficial in getting rid of infections such as a common cold. As mentioned above, it also helps in improving the function of the immune system, aiding antibiotics to work more efficiently. Nutritionists recommend the consumption of chicken soup to get relief from a congested nose or a sore throat, which is generally associated with common cold.

(Read more: Home remedies for common cold)

Vitamin E and K are essential for healthy nails and hair. A deficiency of these vitamins can lead to various problems such as hair loss and brittle nails. Chicken contains good amounts of these vitamins and thus, should be included in the diet in order to prevent hair or nail breakage and promote their healthy growth.

(Read more: How to make your hair grow faster and longer)

Chicken is white meat, and thus, a healthy source of protein. A proper weight management program requires the inclusion of protein in appropriate amounts. Also, adequate protein amounts in chicken provide a feeling of fullness that prevents uncontrolled or disordered eating habits. Those willing to try an effective weight loss or weight management regime must include chicken in the regular diet. However. it is important to make sure that the chicken is cooked using healthy ingredients. This ensures that the body receives the right amount of nutrients required for exercising without consuming unhealthy fats.

(Read more: 7 Common weight loss mistakes) 

Troubled by obesity? Failed to lose weight? Now control weight easily by myUpchar Ayurveda Medarodha Weight Control Tablet. Get started today and take steps towards a healthy life."