meat

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EGGS

Eggs are nutrient-packed, multi-purpose delicacies. Its uses and benefits cannot be over-exaggerated. These benefits include its culinary and commercial uses. The most common eggs consumed in Nigeria are hen’s eggs, but eggs from some other birds are also consumed. Eggs can be consumed in different ways as scrambled eggs, fried eggs, and omelets. We also use them in baked products, like poached eggs and souffles. To check for the freshness of eggs in the home, place the eggs in saltwater and observe if the egg sinks, it is fresh but if it floats; it is stale. Eggs have favourable characteristics that make them acceptable for use, they are; Convenient Inexpensive Easy to prepare Soft and easy to chew Apart from consumption, one can also go into mass production of eggs and supply to supermarkets, shops, and food industries. Eggs provide a whole range of health benefits, these includes. Rich source of protein: Eggs are rich sources of protein of high biological value, hence you can refer to it as a complete protein. This protein found in the egg helps the body build up muscles and repair worn-out tissues. Provide vitamins and minerals: They contain an appreciable amount of vitamin A, B6, B12, folate, iron, selenium. These are all necessary for the regular functioning of cells and maintain a healthy immune system. Contains unsaturated fat: Eggs contain unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and oleic acids, which help low-density lipoprotein also referred to as bad cholesterol in the body. These unsaturated fats also help reduce inflammation and build stronger cell membranes in the body. Amongst these health benefits, if one discovers that he or she is allergic to eggs, he or she must avoid eggs and products produced with eggs. They can explore other sources of proteins of high biological value to get the same value. We can also use eggs for various other functions like thickeners, emulsifiers, stabilizers in mixtures, and binding agents. It is also used as a leavening agent in baked products by causing expansion of doughs and batters by the release of gases within the mixtures. It is necessary to note that egg yolks in eggs furnish up to 71 percent of the recommended dietary allowance for cholesterol intake daily, which shows that one egg a day is fair enough. So one has to be cautious enough and eat eggs in moderation for optimal health. References Meister, K. (2002). The Role of Eggs in the Diet: Update. American Council on Science and Health. Okeke, N. P. (2017). Fundamentals of Food and Nutrition. Imo State: SkillMark Media. Udoh, Chidera Jennifer

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHICKEN MEAT

If you are looking out for healthy meat that is affordable, available and still healthy. Then the poultry meat is your best bet. We can define poultry as domestic fowls including chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks. The nutritive value of poultry meat depends on various factors ranging from age, feeding, carcass parts, and type of meat. So if you are looking out for certain key nutrients in your chicken meat, the best time to start is with their breeding process and ensuring they take the measures for a healthy bird. Poultry meat can be fortified and enriched with vitamins, trace elements, phytochemicals, and omega-3 fatty acids. All these mentioned may result in producing more functional food character in the meat. However, in this article, we will look at the various health benefits you may stand to gain from consuming chicken meat. Chicken meat has a moderate energy content and highly digestible proteins of high biological value. This property makes chicken a healthier alternative to some other meats, preventing childhood obesity and invariably non-communicable diseases associated with obesity. Chicken meat contains lesser fat especially in the breast area, it contains essential poly-unsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acid and does not contain trans fats. These properties make it heart-friendly. They also recommended chicken meat constituent of a DASH diet. A DASH diet is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, it is a diet that is rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. The chicken meat can serve as a low-fat dairy product in a DASH diet. If you are looking at a low-cholesterol diet, nutritionists advise you to desk in the meat before consumption, to get maximum health benefits. Apart from the flesh, the bones are also excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth. So if you are in a family that leaves your chicken bones after meals untouched, this is the time to reconsider your choices, unless you do not have functional teeth. One good thing about chicken meat is when cooked properly till tender, it serves all age groups down to the elderly, the elderly start losing oral function (loss of teeth) as they age, but the chicken especially the chicken breast is quite soft and can be easier for them to chew on than other parts of the chicken. These are the things you stand to enjoy and benefit from the chicken meat, but always remember moderation is key, do not eat the meat in excess to avoid consuming excess protein in your diet. We should get protein from a variety of sources and chicken meat is just one of them. So put all these into consideration when making your food choices. Udoh, Chidera Jennifer.

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