Not a few people who like to eat chicken feet. This part of the chicken can be processed into a variety of foods, ranging from soup, soup, to soup dim sum. However, many people also say that chicken feet are not good for health. So, actually eating chicken feet is healthy or not?
Chicken is one of the most consumed foodstuffs throughout the world, including Indonesia. Besides having a delicious taste and easy to process into various dishes, chicken meat also contains many nutrients needed by the body.
The part of chicken that is commonly consumed is the breast, thigh, or wing. However, not only that part, chicken feet are also often processed into various delicious dishes that pamper the tongue.
Chicken Feet Nutrient Contents
In 100 grams of cooked chicken feet contained about 215 calories. In addition, chicken feet also contain various nutrients, such as:
- 19.5 grams of protein
- 14.5 grams fat
- 90 milligrams of calcium
- 0.9 milligrams of iron
- 30 micrograms of vitamin A (equivalent to 100 IU)
- 85 micrograms of folate or vitamin B9
Chicken feet also contain phosphorus, selenium, zinc, choline, vitamin B complex, and vitamin K, and are a good source of gelatin and collagen.
Benefits of Chicken Feet for Health
Judging from the many nutrients contained in chicken feet, of course this part of the chicken is good for consumption. Besides being able to help meet your daily nutritional needs, chicken feet are also useful for:
1. Maintain healthy skin
About 70% of the protein content in chicken feet is collagen. This protein is one of the nutrients that are good for skin health. Various studies have proven that collagen is good for maintaining skin moisture and elasticity, and preventing skin damage.
In addition, collagen is also good for helping to eliminate cellulite and speed up wound healing. With sufficient intake of collagen, your skin will become healthier and younger.
2. Supports joint strength and health
Besides being able to maintain healthy skin, collagen also plays an important role in maintaining the health and strength of the joints of the body, including the joints of the knees, feet, hands, and hips. Not only that, adequate collagen intake can also help reduce joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially in the elderly.
3. Prevents bone loss
Chicken feet are an excellent source of protein, calcium, and collagen to maintain bone health. Research shows that intake of these nutrients can support the formation and strength of bones, and reduce the risk of bone loss or osteoporosis.
4. Prevent anemia
Thanks to the content of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 in chicken feet, this food is also good for consumption to prevent anemia or lack of blood.
However, to get the benefits of this one chicken claw, you also need to eat foods high in iron, such as beef, chicken or beef liver, fish, seafood, and nuts.
5. Maintaining the health of pregnant women and fetuses
The content of folate (vitamin B9) in chicken feet is good for preventing babies from having birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Meanwhile, the content of choline and protein is good for increasing the weight of the fetus and pregnant women, as well as supporting the development of the fetal brain.
Things to Pay Attention to Before Eating Chicken Feet
After knowing the nutritional content of chicken feet, now you also know what benefits this food can provide for our health. However, to get these benefits, you must clean and cook the chicken feet properly before eating.
Here are tips for cleaning chicken feet:
- Clean the chicken feet under running water.
- Boil with boiling water for 10-30 seconds, then remove.
- Put it in a container of cold water, then pull and remove the outer skin. Chicken feet are ready to be processed.
Avoid processing chicken feet by frying because it can eliminate the nutritional value in it. In addition, fried chicken feet also contain trans fat and cholesterol which are not good for heart health if consumed in excess.
Chicken feet consist of several small bones in the fingers. You need to be careful in consuming it, especially if it is consumed by children, because it can cause choking.
You can process chicken feet by making it a broth for soup or mixing it in other soupy dishes. This method will maintain the level of nutrients contained in the claws.
In addition to eating chicken feet, make sure you also eat other healthy foods to meet your daily nutritional needs, yes. If you still have questions regarding the benefits of chicken feet or other types of food that are good for your health, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.