Correctly Cooked White Meat Protects Against Diseases

Nutrition expert Prof. Dr. Funda Elmacıoglu, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Istinye University Faculty of Health Sciences, stated that chicken meat plays an important role in healthy nutrition.

"Chicken meat protects against diseases and contains tryptophan, a substance that helps the brain feel good. Thanks to this amino acid content, serotonin levels rise, increasing the person's sleep quality," she said.

Rich in Protein and Minerals

Prof. Dr. Elmacıoglu noted that chicken and turkey meat have an important place in adequate and balanced nutrition: "Chicken and turkey meat have high protein quality due to their rich essential amino acid content and are rich in minerals such as B12 vitamin, magnesium, and phosphorus. As can be understood from its color, turkey meat has a higher iron content compared to chicken."

Protective Against Cancer

Emphasizing that the antioxidant property of chicken meat supports the immune system and is protective against cancer, Prof. Dr. Elmacıoglu said: "Since chicken meat contains tryptophan amino acid, when consumed, it raises serotonin levels in the body and increases sleep quality. The selenium mineral found in the meat helps prevent cell damage and increases the durability of the cell membrane."

Easy to Digest

Prof. Dr. Elmacıoglu stated that chicken meat is indispensable as an animal protein source: "Chicken meat, when consumed without skin, has low saturated fat. In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, it is easy to digest, tasty, low in calories, and economical. The fact that 63% of the meat consumed in our country is chicken meat shows the indispensability of poultry products as an animal protein source."

No Added Fat Needed

Drawing attention to saving fat added to dishes in the kitchen, Prof. Dr. Elmacıoglu said: "Since white meat naturally contains fat in its structure, it is not necessary to add extra fat to meat and vegetable dishes prepared with chicken meat and seasonal vegetables. When cooking chicken meat as a stew with fresh zucchini, potatoes, and carrots added, and consumed with a slice of bread and yogurt, we have obtained a main course containing all kinds of nutrients."

Correctly Cooked White Meat

Prof. Dr. Elmacıoglu warned against adding fat to the water in which chicken is boiled: "The recommended consumption is to boil these meat products and make nutritious soups without adding any fat to the boiling water."

Source: Hurriyet.com.tr