Health Benefits of Eating Chicken Breast

• Rich in Protein—It’s a great source of lean, low-fat protein which studies show contributes to muscle growth and development.
• Good for the Heart—Eating chicken breast suppresses and controls a body’s homocysteine amino acid levels, which if too high, can lead to cardiovascular disease.
• The health benefits of chicken include its ability to provide a good supply of essential vitamins, and minerals. It also aids in weight loss, regulating cholesterol and blood pressure.

Historical Perspective:Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world—having been domesticated and consumed as food for thousands of years. There are many varieties of chicken, including free-range chicken, organic chicken, and conventional chicken; the difference is on the basis of their breeding. While free-range chicken, as the term implies, is allowed to roam freely in the pastures; conventional chicken, which is also the most controversial, is kept in cages and not allowed to move freely. Conventional chicken is injected with hormones to fasten its growth and make it unnaturally big—this chicken variety is usually kept in unhygienic and unhealthy conditions, thereby, the necessity of also using antibiotics.

Of the three, organic chicken is the most expensive because it is bred freely and allowed to eat only organically prepared food, as per the USDA standards. It is kept in healthy and clean conditions and is allowed to grow naturally without any medications to disturb its hormone cycle. Organic chickens are also vaccinated and therefore safe to eat.

High Protein Content —chicken breast, with 31 grams of protein per 100 grams, is one of the best foods for protein. Protein plays an important role in our diet — made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of our muscles.

Rich in Vitamins & Minerals —it is not only a good source of protein but also very rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, B vitamins in it are useful for preventing cataracts and skin disorders, boosting immunity, eliminating weakness, regulating digestion, and improving the nervous system. They are also helpful in preventing migraine, heart disorders, gray hair, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Vitamin D in chicken helps in calcium absorption and bone strengthening. Vitamin A helps in building eyesight, and minerals such as iron are helpful in hemoglobin formation, muscle activity, and eliminating anemia. Potassium and sodium are electrolytes; phosphorus is helpful in tackling weakness, bone health, brain function, dental care, and metabolic issues. Weight Loss — diets with high levels of protein have been known to be effective in reducing weight, and chicken has been one of the main contenders in weight loss. Studies and trials have shown that significant weight control was observed in people who regularly ate chicken breast—attributed to its high protein content and low calories.

Control of Blood Pressure —chicken consumption has been found to be useful in controlling blood pressure. This was observed in people with hypertension and in many African Americans, though the diet was also comprised of nuts, low-fat dietary products, vegetables, and fruits.

Anticancer Properties —studies found that in non-vegetarians, higher consumption of red meat, pork/ham increased the risk of colorectal cancer, while in chicken and fish eaters, the risk of developing this cancer in later life was reduced. It is also touted to help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Reduced Cholesterol —the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol found in red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb are much higher than the levels found in chicken, fish, and vegetables. Therefore, wholistic rejuvenation principles advise consuming chicken or fish instead of red meat for a lowered risk of cholesterol and subsequent heart disease development.

Treatment of Common Cold —consuming warm chicken soup has been touted for centuries as a great remedy that provides relief from the common cold, including symptoms of a congested nose and sore throat.

Cilantro is a popular herb consumed around the globe — resembling flat leaf parsley at first glance, but at first sniff, transports you to the exotic flavors of the Mediterranean, Mexico, Asia, and India.

Cilantro adds a fresh boost of flavor used in everything from guacamole and salsa, to curries, noodle dishes, hearty soups, tacos and chimichurri sauces of Argentina. Not only does this flavorful, bright green herb have unlimited culinary applications, but surprisingly to many people, cilantro is health-enhancing and has many known healing properties.

One of the reasons cilantro is so unique is due to its versatility. While green and leafy, it brings a fresh, citrus-like flavor to foods. Once it flowers, it produces seeds, the flavor of the leaves intensifies, plus the coriander seeds that it yields contain their own health benefits. While still citrusy in nature, coriander has a warm, almost nutty flavor, making it the perfect complement for pickling, sausages, breads, and is one of the main spices in Garam Masala, the spice blend widely used in Indian cooking, with variations that are as distinctive as the handed-down family recipes generation-to-generation.

Twelve Major Health Benefits of Cilantro

1. Helps Rid the Body of Heavy Metals — these toxic metals accumulate in our tissues leading to heart disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, thyroid disorders, infertility, and too many other diseases to name in this context. Cilantro has shown to bind these toxic metals and loosen them from the tissue — facilitating their elimination from the body.

2. Protects Against Oxidative Stress — linked to a wide scope of degenerative diseases including some cancers, heart disease, arthritis/fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and much more.

3. Lowers Anxiety/Panic Disorders and Improve Sleep — benefits your sleep cycle via its natural sedative effects. A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that high levels of cilantro extract produce the same levels of anti-anxiety effects as the popular prescription drug, Valium (diazepam).

4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels —cilantro’s leaves and stems help lower blood sugar levels in animal studies. The most significant study published in the Journal of Food Sciences showed that when diabetes has been diagnosed, cilantro helps support healthy liver function, thus helping to balance blood sugar. Researchers believe that the results support Coriandrum sativum (cilantro) used in cooking would, in fact, be a remedy for diabetes. Chop cilantro’s leaves coarsely, and chop the stems finely, and add to salads, salsas, and smoothies to lower your blood sugar levels and improve overall health.

5. Reduces Cholesterol and Triglycerides —in the same study referenced above regarding diabetes, researchers indicated that cilantro lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. Another study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that cilantro’s rich polyphenolic content and natural cardioprotective nutrients are responsible with preventing the oxidative damage that is specifically associated with cardiac damage and is able to prevent myocardial infarctions. Lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and protecting against damage associated with cardiac impairment — easy to see why we should all include more cilantro.

6. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) —that may be caused by E. coli, staphylococcus bacteria, sexual activity, genetics, or diabetes. Cilantro’s antibacterial compounds help to keep the urinary tract healthy, and free from unhealthy bacteria in a healthy alkaline environment. In addition to cilantro, coriander seeds are helpful in relieving symptoms, if a UTI does occur.

7. Settles Digestive Distress —cilantro has been used throughout the world for thousands of years to settle nauseous tummies, prevent gas and bloating, relieve indigestion and heartburn, and ease stomach cramps. It aids in efficient digestion, by helping to produce digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of foods. In many cuisines, fresh cilantro accompanies hot and spicy dishes because of its cooling effects. If gas or bloating is a problem, try adding chopped cilantro as a garnish for legume dishes, and to salads. Simply soak 1½ teaspoons of dried coriander seeds overnight in two cups of water. Strain and drink, or just add to your morning smoothie. It will help relieve the discomfort and pain associated with the UTI and helps to speed your healing.

8. Protects Against Food Poisoning —benefits not only detoxifying the body but also protects it from infection and toxins. Its natural antibacterial properties help to protect against both food and water-borne diseases including food poisoning, dysentery, salmonella, cholera, and particularly listeria. Research published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology studied dill, coriander, eucalyptus, and found that cilantro was particularly effective in fighting listeria.

9. Supports Healthy Menstrual Function —coriander seeds from cilantro actually helps to support healthy menstrual function by helping regulate proper endocrine gland function and the hormones that regulate menstrual cycles. In addition, coriander can help reduce the bloating, cramps, and pain during the cycle.

10. Prevents Neurological Inflammation —neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and certain brain tumors are associated with chronic inflammation. A study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that diets high in turmeric, pepper, clove, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and coriander, helped to prevent the inflammation associated with these devastating diseases. Researchers noted that the lifestyle factors of individuals with diets rich in these nutrients showed lower incidences of neurological degeneration.

11. Protects Against Colon Cancer —researchers believe that coriander can protect against colon cancer by reducing cholesterol levels, and increasing the excretion of sterol compounds and bile. This process decreases toxic levels in the colon, lowering the risk for cancer.

12. Soothes Skin Irritations —cilantro is used both internally and externally as a remedy for skin irritations including hives, sunburns, and poison ivy. Its natural antihistamines helps to calm the immune system response against allergens. Fresh cilantro blended with coconut oil can be blended together and applied topically to soothe sunburns, dry skin, poison ivy, and hives caused by an allergic reaction. To get cilantro’s full benefits, instead of blending with coconut oil, blend with water, and strain.

This very saucy chicken is my twist on a Mediterranean favorite I enjoyed while in Istanbul, Turkey — minus the hot chilies of course! It contains a very special sauce that can be made with its simply rich au jus or made creamy with the addition of Greek yogurt, sour cream or heavy cream. Try it both ways.

The au jus is like “liquid gold” and delicious served over cooked quinoa or a bowl of steamed spinach.

I specifically like it made with chicken thighs but can be made with any chicken parts.

One-Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Category: Chicken / Mediterranean

Prep to Table: 30 minutes
Serves:4

Ingredients

• 4 medium boneless skinless organic chicken breasts or skin on thighs
• 1 tablespoon coconut or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine or white wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons cilantro or ½ of one bunch
• 1 tablespoon pink Himalayan sea salt, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons annatto powder
• 2 teaspoons cracked pepper

Optional Add-in:1/2 cup heavy cream, half and half, sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

• For the Chicken: In a large heavy-duty skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper then add the chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning once or until chicken is cooked through and a nice brown.
• Remove chicken from skillet and cover with foil on a separate plate, set aside.
• For the sauce: In a blender or food processor blend remaining ingredients: onion, garlic, salt/pepper, annatto powder, cilantro, lime juice, white wine or wine vinegar, and chicken broth.
• Bring mixture to a gentle boil for 8-10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by ¼ cup.
• Continue: Now add the browned chicken back into the skillet along with the reduced sauce and continue cooking uncovered until chicken is completely cooked, about another 10 –15 minutes.
• IF using cream, remove cooked chicken and set aside. Whisk in cream and be sure to stir to keep it from clotting. Once the sauce is a nice creamy thickness, return chicken to the pan and reheat just before serving.
• Garnish with more cilantro. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or quinoa. Enjoy!

Dr. Gloria’s Kitchen Notes:
If you plan ahead, make the sauce in your blender/food processor, cook it and use half to marinade your chicken overnight and refrigerate the other half. Then brown the chicken as directed without the marinade portion of sauce. This will tenderize the meat and add a rich deep flavor. Then continue with instructions using the rest of the sauce or cream addition.

Something to cackle about

Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world and Ecuador is no exception. That being said, there is no lack of organic free-range chickens (Pollo de Campo) here in Ecuador.

Chicken has been domesticated and consumed as food for thousands of years. There are many varieties of chicken, including free-range chicken, organic chicken, and conventional chicken - the difference is the basis of their breeding. Let's take a quick look at the differences:

• Free-range chicken, as the term implies, is allowed to roam freely in the pastures;
• Conventional chicken, which is also the most controversial, is kept in cages and not allowed to move freely. Conventional chicken is injected with hormones to speed its growth and make it unnaturally big. In addition, non-organic chicken is generally injected with antibiotics to avoid disease in crowded cages - these chicken varieties are usually kept in unhygienic and unhealthy conditions and should be avoided at all cost.
• Of the three, organic chicken is the most expensive because it is bred freely and is allowed to eat only organically prepared food, as per USDA standards. It is kept in healthy and clean conditions and allowed to grow naturally without any medications to disturb its hormone cycle.
  
  "USDA Organic" chickens are allowed access to the outdoors; they are given antibiotics only to prevent pain or death, after which they are no longer considered organic. One study found that organic chicken contained 38 percent more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  The health benefits of organic chicken include its ability to provide a good supply of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It also aids in weight loss, regulating cholesterol and blood pressure, and reducing the risk of cancer.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or Mix your own*

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

2-3 cans sour/tart cherries (drained), use fresh cherries when available or**

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

6 medium slices of Mozzarella cheese (for topping each chicken breast)

10 fresh basil leaves, torn/chopped into medium pieces

Baby arugula, for serving

Crusty bread, for serving (optional) - I like to serve it on a bed of lightly steamed zucchini noodles.

* Combine equal amounts of dried - rosemary, marjoram, thyme, savory, sage, oregano, and basil - then measure the amount in the recipe. Pulverize to a powder either in a mortar and pestle or in a spice/coffee grinder. If using fresh herbs, you'll have to use about double the quantity in the recipe. NOTE: I make several spice blends in advance and keep in air-tight spice containers or jars to save time. In future issues, I'll share some of my other nightshade-free spice blends.

** You can also use dried tart cherries and reconstitute in water overnight then drain and use as indicated.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil onto a rimmed baking sheet, or oven-safe bakeware, evenly spread it out and coat the bottom of the pan.
• Along with the Italian seasoning blend, sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to taste onto the same baking sheet.
• Scatter the cherries on the baking sheet/bakeware and shake back and forth so they become evenly coated in the oil and seasonings.
• Arrange the chicken in the center of the baking sheet/bakeware, pushing the cherries out to the perimeter, and drizzle the chicken with the remaining two tablespoons of oil.
• Bake until the cherries are soft, blistered and begin to burst, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until the vinegar has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat back of the spoon, 7 to 8 minutes. NOTE: Do not leave unattended or it will become like taffy, you want it thick but not where it crystallizes - it will thicken as it cools. I make a larger batch of this ahead and keep in a jar refrigerated. When ready to use simply leave out at room temperature, or gently warm, so you can easily spread over the chicken dish or use on salads - lasts easily about 3 months refrigerated.
• Remove the baking sheet/dish from the oven and drape a slice of mozzarella over each chicken breast.
• Bake until the cheese melts and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast has reached 160 degrees F, 5 to 7 minutes (the chicken will carryover cook to 165 F).
• Sprinkle the chicken and cherries with the basil and drizzle with the balsamic reduction sauce - spoon the collected pan juices over the entire chicken dish.
• Serve on a bed of arugula and with gluten-free crusty bread to mop up the pan juices.

Overview of Organic Chicken Health Benefits

High Protein Content
Chicken breast, with 31 grams of protein per 100 grams, is one of the best foods for protein. Protein plays an important role in our diet. It is made of amino acids - the building blocks of our muscles. Generally, the recommended amount of daily protein requirement is 1 gram per 1 kg of body weight or 0.4 g of protein per pound of body weight. For athletes, the daily requirement of protein is about 0.6 g to 0.9 g per pound. For women over 60, it's recommended to consume more to help avoid loss of muscle tone, an example is 0.5 - 0.6 gr of lean protein daily.

Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Chicken is not only a good source of protein but is also very rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, the B vitamins in it are useful for preventing cataracts and skin disorders, boosting immunity, eliminating weakness, regulating digestion, and improving the nervous system. They are also helpful in preventing migraine, heart disorders, gray hair, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

• Vitamin D in chicken helps calcium absorption and bone strengthening;
• Vitamin A helps in building eyesight;
• Minerals such as iron are helpful for hemoglobin formation, muscle activity, and eliminating anemia;
• Potassium and sodium are electrolytes;
• Phosphorus is helpful in tackling weakness, bone health, brain function, dental care, and metabolic issues.

Weight Loss
Diets with high levels of quality protein have been known to be effective in reducing weight - chicken has been one of the main contenders in weight loss. Studies and trials show that significant weight control was observed in people who regularly ate chicken, particularly the breast - attributed to its high protein content and low calories.

Control of Blood Pressure
Chicken consumption has been found to be useful in controlling blood pressure as well. This was observed in people with hypertension and in many African Americans, though the diet was also comprised of nuts, low-fat dietary products, vegetables, and fruits.

Reduced Cancer Risk
Studies show that in non-vegetarians, higher consumption of red meat, pork/ham increased the risk of colorectal cancer, while in chicken and fish eaters, the risk of developing this cancer in later life was reduced - assuming the chicken is organic free-range. Chicken is also believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Reduced Cholesterol
The amount of saturated fat and cholesterol found in red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb are much higher than the levels found in chicken, fish, and vegetables. Therefore, the American Heart Association advises consuming chicken or fish instead of red meat for a lowered risk of cholesterol and subsequent heart disease development.

Treatment of Common Cold
Intake of warm chicken soup also provides relief from common cold, including symptoms of a congested nose and sore throat. My Jewish friends know this as "Jewish Penicillin" and I couldn't agree more, it's my go-to if I feel vulnerable, extra tired or when traveling. Here's some perspective that validates why this is so effective for common viruses...AND no, it's not just old-wives-tales.

Historical Perspective:

Jewish folklore about chicken soup is closely tied to the central European medical history of chicken soup. The Greek physician Galen, in the second century AD, recommended chicken soup as a cure for migraine, leprosy, constipation, and fever.

A few centuries later, in the Babylonian Talmud, a story refers to the chicken of Rabbi Abba (175-247) that when cooked, served as a general remedy.

Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the Jewish philosopher and physician, Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), recommended chicken soup for the weak and the sick; with great success.

Chicken noodle soup is regarded as a therapeutic dish in several cultures, including Jewish-American and Chinese communities where traditional medicine is practiced.

Although researchers have not been able to determine the cause of the alleged positive effects of chicken soup, several studies have confirmed that it DOES help unblock congested noses and throats.

Chicken is especially rich in a compound called carnosine, and it's this that studies suggest helps reduce that stuffy, congested feeling in your nose and throat. It's thought that carnosine minimizes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract by stopping the migration of white blood cells. Studies show that a hearty bowl of chicken soup may help you clear nasal congestion and have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help ease cold symptoms and body aches.

There you have it, one more way to use parts of your chicken, Naturally, From My Kitchen to Yours, Dr. Gloria

NEWS FLASH: Ready to learn more about simple recipes that can give you what I call the Anti-Inflammation Advantage? Download your free 40+ page cookbook The Anti-Inflammation Recipe Sampler at drgloriaskitchen.com/totalhealth/.

Mark April 2019 on your calendar when I'll be able to literally take you by the hand and lead you step-by-step through an entire library of anti-inflammatory meals that are easy to prepare and delicious! Stay tuned!