7 Unbelievable Country Chicken Benefits

Country Chicken Benefits

Introduction 

Country chicken, also known as free-range chicken or desi chicken, refers to chickens that are raised in a natural, unconfined environment. These chickens are often considered healthier than their commercially raised counterparts due to their natural diet and active lifestyle.

Unlike commercial broiler chickens, which are typically raised in confined spaces and fed a diet of processed feed, country chickens are allowed to roam freely and forage for food, resulting in a more natural and nutrient-rich diet.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about country chicken benefits for health, its nutritional profile and delicious recipe ideas.

Nutrient Profile

Country chicken is prized for its rich nutritional content, which makes it a valuable addition to any diet.

• Protein: Country chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which  is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance.
• Iron: Country chicken is rich in iron, which is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s cells.
• Vitamin B12: Country chicken is a good source of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
• Vitamin A: Country chicken contains vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Country chicken raised in free-range environments may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercial broiler chickens. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health and brain function.

It ii to be noted that the nutrient profile provided here is based on the nutritional information for conventional chicken. It is important to recognize that country chicken typically surpasses conventional chicken in various nutrients, including higher protein content, improved vitamin and mineral profiles, and lower fat levels.

Country Chicken Benefits for Health

Some country chicken benefits for health include 

1. High-Quality Protein Source

Country chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making it an ideal food for supporting muscle growth and repair.

Unlike broilers, country chicken are usually slow-growing birds, which may contribute to more protein content.

Some studies suggest that slow-growing birds contain more protein and amino acids profile compared to fast-growing birds.

Protein from country chicken contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.

Protein is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied after meals.

2. Lower Fat Content

One of the significant benefits of country chicken is its lower fat content compared to commercially raised chicken. Country chickens typically have less fat because they are more active and have a natural diet.

This makes country chicken a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake and maintain a healthy weight.

It was reported that more fat is deposited in the muscles of fast-growing birds like broilers than that of slow-growing birds like country chicken.

Two controlled studies have looked at how eating lean chicken or poultry affects blood lipids and cholesterol levels in men with high cholesterol.

In one study, 17 overweight men followed an American Heart Association-style diet for 26 days, eating lean poultry, beef, or fish. Each diet led to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results showed that whether the diet included chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, it effectively improved heart health, indicating that these lean proteins can be beneficial as part of a heart-healthy diet.

And in another study with 38 men who had high cholesterol, eating lean chicken or beef as part of an American Heart Association-style diet for five weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol. Unlike the earlier study, this one didn’t find changes in triglycerides or the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol.

Overall, these studies show that lean meats can effectively lower cholesterol levels in men with high cholesterol.

It is to be noted that further research is needed to validate the effect of lean meat on heart health and these studies must have been done with lean meat cuts of regular broiler chicken and not country chicken, which will for sure have lower fat compared to broilers.

3. May be a Good Source of Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Despite the availability of various iron-rich foods, country chicken stands out as a valuable source of this vital nutrient.

Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen in the bloodstream. Iron is also essential to produce some hormones.

By including country chicken in your diet, you may prevent anemia and improve oxygen circulation throughout your body.

4. May be a Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Country chicken is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to its health benefits.

Vitamins:

• Country chicken is a great source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which plays a crucial role in keeping blood and nerves healthy.
• It also contains riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3), which helps in energy production, development and function of cells in the body.

Minerals:

Country chicken is notably high in important minerals like iron, zinc and a decent source of phosphorus.

• Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia, while zinc is important for immune function, DNA and protein synthesis, wound healing and zinc is also important for the proper sense of taste.
• Country chicken also contains phosphorus, which is a main component of bones and teeth after calcium, and some is in your genes. Phosphorus is also essential for energy production and to carry out many important chemical processes

Its rich mineral and vitamin content, combined with its distinctive taste and texture, makes country chicken a valuable addition to a nutritious meal plan.

5.Better Immune Function

Country chicken is a good source of zinc and selenium, both of which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Consuming country chicken regularly can help boost your immunity and protect against common illnesses.

6. Free from Antibiotics and Hormones

One major concern with conventional poultry farming is the routine use of antibiotics, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This resistance makes it harder to treat bacterial infections in humans, as the antibiotics become less effective.

Country chickens, typically raised without antibiotics, help mitigate this risk, promoting a healthier future for both consumers and the broader community.

Hormones are often used in commercial poultry farming to accelerate growth.

Consuming meat from chickens treated with these hormones can lead to concerns about hormone imbalance in humans.

Country chicken, raised without artificial hormones, provides a more natural meat option, helping you avoid potential risks associated with hormone-treated poultry.

By choosing country chicken, consumers can avoid these additives and contribute to the reduction of antibiotic resistance.

7. Superior Flavor and Texture

One of the standout features of country chicken is its unique flavor and texture.

The meat is often described as having a richer, more robust taste compared to commercial chicken. This is due to the varied diet and active lifestyle of the chickens.

The texture is also firmer, which can make for a more satisfying eating experience.

Incorporating Country Chicken Into Your Diet

Now that you’re aware of the country chicken benefits for health, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your diet. Here are some delicious and nutritious recipe ideas to try

• Country Chicken Curry: Simmer country chicken pieces in a flavorful curry sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Serve with steamed rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
• Grilled or Baked: Marinate the chicken with herbs and spices, then grill or bake it for a delicious and healthy meal.
• Soups and Stews: Add country chicken to soups and stews for a comforting and nutrient-dense dish.
• Stir-Fries: Combine sliced country chicken with a variety of vegetables for a quick and balanced stir-fry.
• Salads: Top your salads with grilled or roasted country chicken to boost the protein content and add flavor.

Limitations

• The specific nutritional data for country chicken is not readily available from many trusted sources. 
• There are no direct studies done on the country chicken benefits and its nutrition.

Summary 

Country chicken, or desi chicken, offers a wide range of health benefits and can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. Some country chicken benefits include supports heart health, promotes bone health, boosts immune function, supports brain function etc,.

Whether grilled, simmered in a curry, or added to soups and salads, there are countless ways to enjoy country chicken.

So, next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up some country chicken and incorporating it into your meals for a tasty and satisfying dining experience!

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Attributions:

1. Image by [monticellllo] / stock.adobe.com

Sourced and summarized from

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements Factsheet on Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus, Selenium, Riboflavin, Niacin and Vitamin B12
2. Haunshi S, Devatkal S, Prince LLL, Ullengala R, Ramasamy K, Chatterjee R. Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Nutritional Composition of Kadaknath, a Native Chicken Breed of India. Foods. 2022 Nov 11;11(22):3603. doi: 10.3390/foods11223603. PMID: 36429195; PMCID: PMC9689593. Used under CC BY 4.0.
3. Connolly G, Campbell WW. Poultry Consumption and Human Cardiometabolic Health-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 11;15(16):3550. doi: 10.3390/nu15163550. PMID: 37630747; PMCID: PMC10459134. Used under CC BY 4.0.