Is eating chicken a healthy choice for your diet?

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The National Chicken Council takes much pride in the nation’s poultry products. The organization states how important it is to feed people good quality chicken.

NCC says, “supplying the world with a safe, planet-friendly, and nutrient-dense source of high-quality protein.” Its website explains the health benefits of consuming chicken. The protein product consists of all nine amino acids for the human diet. It is a low-calorie, low-sodium and a low-fat source of meat. Chicken establishes all the needed nutrients a person needs from pregnancy to elder years. Studies show that people will eat chicken more than once a week.

Consumers also will purchase chicken because it is reasonably priced, healthy and versatile. According the NCC, “Americans on average will eat a record 96.8 pounds of chicken per person this year. Chicken consumption is nearly twice that of beef and pork.”

Chicken is a protein that all age groups can enjoy. Chicken can fulfill any personal needs, cultural traditions and budgets. Some of the many health benefits include “providing vitamins and minerals involved in brain function, building muscle, promoting heart health, strengthening bones and aiding in weight loss.” The NCC notes, “dark and white meat chicken contains vitamin B12 and choline, which together may promote brain development in children, help the nervous system function properly and aid cognitive performance in older adults.”

Chicken also can promote bone health. When losing weight, chicken is a meat that is lean and provides protein that the body can utilize. Since it is high in protein, chicken is a good source for managing weight and blood sugar.

According to WebMD, a breast of raw and boneless chicken contains the following nutrients:

· Calories: 120

· Protein: 26 grams

· Fat: 2 grams

· Carbohydrates: 0 grams

· Fiber: 0 grams

· Sugar: 0 grams

READ MORE: poultrytimes.com | Since 1954, the nation's only poultry industry newspaper