Chicken is a popular food option that most of us enjoy daily, but have you ever wondered, does chicken contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs to function properly?
Studies suggest that chicken is a complete protein, which means it contains all the essential amino acids in perfect proportion according to the needs of our body.
But what are essential amino acids one may ask? Well, essential amino acids are those that our body can’t produce by itself, and we need to get them from our diet.
However, these amino acids are important for many bodily functions such as muscle growth or hormone production. So, let’s find out how many from the list of essential amino acids are there in our favorite food item, and what benefits they provide.
Does Chicken Contain All Essential Amino Acids?
Very few food items contain all the essential amino acids, and luckily chicken is one such convenient and versatile food item that has the benefits of all of them.
One may ask, how many amino acids are there which are considered essential? Well, 9 amino acids are essential, and all of these are present in chicken which makes it a complete protein.
The 9 essential amino acids which are present in chicken include:
1. Histidine: It is a nutritionally essential amino acid that is extremely essential for certain hormones. It plays an important role in the production of histamine which is crucial for immune systems and sexual function.
2. Isoleucine: The next in the list is Isoleucine, which is one of the amino acids of three branches of BCAA. Do you know what this amino acid can do?
It plays a key role in muscle development and metabolism. And not only that, this amino acid can also aid in energy production and hemoglobin formation.
3. Leucine: This is another one of the three branches of BCAA. This amino acid has a major role in protein synthesis and muscle development.
Along with it, this plays a key role in wound healing and production of Human Growth Hormone.
4. Lysine: It plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and protein synthesis. Apart from that it also helps in energy production, secretion of hormones, and collagen synthesis.
5. Methionine: If you are wondering, about the best amino acid for promoting metabolism and detoxification, then it is certainly methionine.
Along with it, this amino acid helps in the growth of tissue and the absorption of essential minerals.
6. Phenylalanine: This amino acid gets converted into a neurotransmitter by our body and it plays a key role in the production of the most crucial neurotransmitter dopamine.
This helps in elevating mood and promoting motivation.
7. Threonine: This essential amino acid is mainly used for treating nervous system disorders. Furthermore, it is also important for the health of connective tissues.
8. Tryptophan: It is another amino acid, which plays a major role in the production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin has a key role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep cycle.
9. Valine: Valine is also a branch of BCAA, this not only improves muscle growth but can also boost stamina and strength.
So, if you were wondering which foods have all 9 essential amino acids, then chicken will certainly be the most important among them all.
You will be amazed to know that aside from these 9 essential amino acids, chicken also contains D-aspartic acid, which also has numerous benefits in maintaining our overall well-being.
Benefits of Amino Acids in Chicken
As we have already mentioned, each of the amino acids holds a specific set of benefits that are important for bodily functions. Among all of the amino acids present in chicken, BCAA is the branded chain amino acids which are valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
They play an important role in muscle building and other important bodily functions.
These BCAAs along with other essential amino acids can also improve athletic performance by increasing energy and stamina.
Apart from these, most of the amino acids hold a major role in the working mechanism of neurotransmitters. So, they aid in improving cognitive functions, mood, and overall well-being.
Chicken also contains an important amino acid namely, D-aspartic acid. You must be amazed to know that D-aspartic acid and testosterone are largely related.
This amino acid has an amazing capability of boosting testosterone production and provides all the health benefits associated with it.
So, from boosting muscle mass, and improving stamina to increasing essential hormonal production, these amino acids indeed provide individuals with all the important health benefits.
Thus, chicken as the main source of these amino acids will surely be a healthy choice in our daily lives.
Health Benefits of Eating Chicken
Chicken is not only good for our taste buds, but it has amazing health benefits that are too crucial to ignore.
- Chicken as the best source of protein can lead to amazing muscle growth.
- It contains so many essential vitamins which lead to optimal well-being.
- Chicken can also be beneficial in improving cardiovascular health and immune functions.
- Being a good source of minerals, chicken helps in maintaining bone health.
So, if you want to experience wholesome physical and mental benefits, then chicken is the best choice to consider.
Final Thought
So, after going through the discussion you must have found answers to all your questions regarding does chicken contains all essential amino acids or not.
Getting all the essential amino acids in one place is not only beneficial but convenient too. Chicken is such a versatile food item that you can make any recipe with it and yet get the nutrients essential for your body.
Although, like any other food item, in the case of chicken you must maintain moderation and complement it with other kinds of veggies and dairy products. This will help you to get all types of essential ingredients, necessary for maintaining good health.
Hope you find this blog informative and if you liked it, do share it with those who love to eat chicken.
