5 Reasons Why You Must Add Chicken to Your Salad
There are ample reasons to include salads in your daily diet. It is a simple meal yet packed with nutrients like Vitamins C and E, folic acid, folate, fiber and beta-carotene. These are the key components to ensuring a healthy immune system and overall well-being. Now, if you add a lean protein like chicken to the leafy crunchy vegetables, you make it a healthy and well-balanced meal. Did you know such a meal can protect against health conditions like heart disease? It also ensures a low-calorie diet, free of unhealthy fats.
Well-seasoned grilled chicken, in particular, can boost protein supply, support strong bones and even help you lose weight. Check out what else you can gain when you add chicken to your everyday salad.
1. Fulfils Nutritional Needs
As much as we love salad, there are a few nutrients that are not present in plants. These are Vitamin B12, creatine, carnosine, heme iron, DHA and Vitamin D3. So, adding chicken can enhance the nutritional profile of any plant-based meal. You can also add complex carbs like quinoa, sunflower seeds, olive oil and chickpeas to make it even more healthful.
2. Weight Management
Anyone wanting to shed a few pounds can shift to salads. Adding chicken to it can further boost the process. This is because it has lower calories than your traditional diet, while the lean meat and protein ensure short-term weight loss. Protein is known to reduce appetite by inducing a feeling of fullness. This prevents overeating to maintain the right BMI.
3. Promotes Bone Health
Dark leafy greens like kale and collard are packed with Vitamin K that reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, salads are not enough to retain bone mineral density. Chicken is rich in phosphorus and calcium, which strengthens the bones. Look for hormone-free and skinless chicken for a healthy dose of low-calorie protein.
4. Relieves Stress
A study found that those who consume 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables daily were 12% less likely to feel stressed than those who did not have any. You can further reduce stress and anxiety by adding chicken to the bowl. It is a great source of the amino acid, tryptophan, which improves cognitive functioning, and helps you feel relaxed. It also tastes delicious, which itself makes you feel good. Overall, a chicken salad could be a great idea to beat everyday blues.
5. Fuels the Body
Vegetables are usually low on the energy quotient. But adding grilled or roasted chicken to your salads can provide the crucial B vitamins that can offer a high dose of
vigor and vitality. This way, you receive all the nutrients from the salad, without compromising on energy. Order Caesar, Gorgonzola or Mediterranean Salad from the nearest chicken restaurant. Pair it with BBQ or Honey Mustard sauce for added scrumptiousness and a complete meal.
Chicken can also reduce PMS symptoms, increase testosterone levels and promote liver health. Salad is a good way to ensure the intake of fruits and vegetable needs. But you can reap all the benefits of protein too by simply adding chicken to the bowl.
