The Surprising Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Eating Chicken

Most people are familiar with chicken because it’s a staple in many meals worldwide. It’s usually thought of as a healthy food since it’s high in protein and low in calories, fat, and carbs, but some potential side effects come with eating chicken, too—even when it’s organic or free-range chicken. This article explores the benefits and side effects of eating chicken and can help you determine if this is an ingredient you should include more or less frequently in your meals.

Chicken is a good source of protein.

Chicken is a good protein source, essential for muscle building and repair. It’s also a low-calorie food option to help you lose weight or stay in shape. There are also some benefits to eating chicken that you might not know about, such as being a good option for children with allergies or egg intolerance. Finally, it can be used to make bone broth, which can benefit gut health.

Chicken can help you lose weight.

One benefit to eating chicken is that it can help you lose weight. Research has found that those who ate more protein-rich foods, such as chicken, could lose more weight in the long term than those who ate less. Protein takes more energy for the body to digest, making you feel fuller for longer. In addition, protein helps build muscle mass, boosts your metabolism, and helps burn calories.

Chicken may lower your risk of heart disease.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who consumed the most chicken had a lower risk than those who ate the least. The study authors believe that may be because chicken is high in polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce your risk for heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats are also found in fish, nuts, and olive oil.

Chicken may help prevent cancer.

Eating chicken may not just be a tasty way to get your protein. Evidence suggests that it may also help to prevent cancer. Studies have shown that the isoflavones found in soy, also located in soy products like tofu, may act as anti-cancer agents in the body. Soy isoflavones have been shown to bind estrogen receptors on cancer cells, thus inhibiting the ability of these cells to grow and increase.

Chicken is relatively low in calories.

-Chicken is relatively low in calories. Studies have shown that chicken has a lower calorie count than beef, pork, or lamb. 

-Studies have shown that chicken has a lower calorie count than beef, pork, or lamb. A six-ounce piece of the grilled chicken breast only has about 160 calories compared to a six-ounce piece of grilled steak which has 240 calories. 

-A six-ounce piece of the grilled chicken breast only has about 160 calories compared to a six-ounce piece of grilled steak which has 240 calories.

Chicken may contain harmful bacteria.

There are many reasons to eat chicken, but there are also a few potential side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly a third of the U.S. population gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year, with 128,000 hospitalizations annually due to foodborne diseases. According to the CDC, one type of bacteria known as Campylobacter is the most common cause of diarrhea in America.

Some people may be allergic to chicken.

Chicken allergies are rare, with only about 10% of people allergic to other meats being allergic to chicken. However, if you’re one of the unlucky ones, you must avoid eating it.

Overeating chicken can lead to weight gain.

Eating chicken can lead to weight gain, as it is high in calories. According to the USDA, there are 720 calories in a 3.5-ounce serving of roasted dark meat chicken. If you are eating a high-calorie diet that is not very balanced, your total daily calorie intake will be too high. This can lead to excessive weight gain over time.