Chicken gizzards are cheap and packed with nutrients. With just 70 calories in a serving, they’re also a great source of protein. In fact, they provide more than half the recommended daily intake of protein for adults in one small assist. They are also packed with iron, zinc, and selenium which put them among the most nutritious parts of the chicken. But do you know that there are some people who get grossed out by the appearance or smell of gizzards? Read on for more details.
Are Chicken Gizzards Healthy?
Yes, chicken gizzards can be a healthy addition to your diet. They are a good source of protein and provide some essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they are low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. However, like any other food, it is important to eat chicken gizzards in moderation to ensure that you get the nutrients you need without consuming too many calories.
Why Are Chicken Gizzards Healthy?
1. They are packed with nutrients
Chicken gizzards are rich in protein, iron, zinc, and selenium. They contain high levels of niacin, which is great for the heart and nervous system. They also contain vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dementia in older people and a number of other health problems. Chicken gizzards are also high in calcium and phosphorus which are important for bone health.
2. They’re cheap
They’re only 70 calories per serving so they’re very affordable. At this price, it’s hard to find a better source of protein than chicken gizzards – especially when you consider that many other sources of protein cost more than three times as much!
3. They’re easy to cook with
You can use them just like any other part of the chicken but you can also use them to make healthy recipes like casseroles, pies, and stews.
4. They’re versatile
You can use them in many different ways to create a variety of healthy recipes. Try adding them to a stir-fry or making chicken gizzards with egg noodles! Chicken gizzards can also be used to make chicken stock and gravy so you can add them to your recipes without having to make an extra trip to the store for another portion of chicken. You can also use the chicken gizzard as an ingredient in sauces or gravies for other dishes like casseroles, roast beef sandwiches, and even fish.
Nutrition Facts For Chicken Gizzards
1. Chicken gizzards are a rich source of protein and iron
Chicken gizzards contain more than half of the recommended daily value (RDA) of iron in one serving. They also provide a significant portion of your daily protein intake, as they supply 50% of the RDA in one serving. Iron is an important nutrient that is needed for the proper functioning of the body, so make sure you get enough to support your health and well-being.
2. Chicken gizzards are high in zinc, selenium, and phosphorus
Chicken gizzards are not only packed with iron but also zinc, selenium, and phosphorus which means that you can get all three minerals without consuming any other types of foods or supplements that contain them individually. Zinc is an important mineral that supports your immune system and plays a role in many processes related to growth and development as well as energy production. Selenium helps maintain healthy thyroid function as well as reproductive health. Phosphorus is a mineral that is responsible for the proper functioning of your body’s cells and tissues.
3. Chicken gizzards are a good source of vitamin B12
Chicken gizzards are also high in vitamin B12 which helps support your immune system and contributes to normal cognitive function. Vitamin B12 is also present in other types of meats like beef, pork, and lamb as well as some dairy products like milk and cheese. However, chicken gizzards have one advantage over the other types of meat when it comes to vitamin B12 since they contain more than you can get from the other types of meats by eating just one serving per day.
4. Chicken gizzards are high in potassium
Chicken gizzards are also a good source of potassium which is an important electrolyte that helps support your nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and heart health. Potassium is also present in other types of foods like fruits, vegetables, and certain types of grains but it is not present in the same amount as it is in chicken gizzards.
Benefits Of Eating Chicken Gizzards
1. Chicken gizzards are a great source of protein
Chicken gizzards are packed with protein, which is great news for vegetarians and vegans who are used to getting their fill of this important amino acid. Protein is one of the most important nutrients to include in your diet as it helps build and repair cells, boost your immune system, and promote healthy hair growth. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight by keeping you energized and satiated.
2. Chicken gizzards provide iron, zinc, and selenium
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps carry oxygen around the body. It also boosts energy levels and boosts immunity against colds and infections. Zinc is another essential mineral that aids in the absorption of iron from food sources. Selenium helps boost immunity against cancer-causing agents like carcinogens present in tobacco smoke or contaminated drinking water. This powerful antioxidant also reduces inflammation, thereby reducing pain from arthritis or joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
3. Chicken gizzards are a great source of B vitamins
B vitamins are essential nutrients that help the body convert food into energy, and they also help maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, and brain function. The B complex group of vitamins includes thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, biotin, and vitamin D.
4. Chicken gizzards are rich in fiber
Fiber is crucial for a healthy digestive system because it helps promote regular bowel movements which help keep the body free from toxins that can be absorbed through the digestive system. It also keeps you feeling full for longer thus helping to prevent overeating. Fibre also stabilizes blood sugar levels so that you don’t feel hungry all the time.
How To Make Chicken Gizzard Recipe
1. Step 1: Cut the gizzards into small pieces
First, you need to cut the chicken gizzards into small pieces. This will make them easier to cook and clean.
2. Step 2: Cook in a pan with some oil and water
After you’ve cut the chicken gizzards, pour some oil into a large pan and add the chicken gizzard pieces. Pour in some water so they start cooking and simmer for 15 minutes. You should not cover them because they will cook faster without any cover on them. You can also add some spices during this process if you like it spicy (optional). Once done, you can transfer them to a bowl to cool down for use in other recipes. It is also important that there are no bones or skin left in your chicken gizzard recipe as this will affect its taste and may cause spoilage when cooked further.
3. Step 3: Cook gizzards in soup or gravy
You can also cook the chicken gizzard in your soup or gravy. The best way to do this is to use it as a topping. Or you can add small pieces of cooked gizzard to your soup or gravy to make it extra special and flavorful. You can also add chicken gizzards to your favorite pasta dish for added flavor and nutrition. You can also mix them with vegetables such as carrots and peas for an extra tasty meal that will leave everyone craving more!
Side Effects Of Eating Chicken Gizzards
1. Gizzard stones
Gizzard stones are also known as gallstones. They are formed when the gallbladder is not able to do its job. The gallbladder is a small organ found in the body that helps with the digestion of bile acids which helps in breaking down fats (cholesterol) and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K, and B12.
2. Gizzards smell
Although gizzards are quite nutritious, they also have a foul smell and can be quite toxic to the digestive system. This is because of the sulfur compounds that are found in them. The smell is due to the presence of organic acids in them. When the gallbladder is not able to do its job, bile acids turn into sulfuric acid and this sulfuric acid combines with the organic acids present in the gizzard. This results in a foul-smelling liquid that is expelled from the body.
3. Gizzards can cause diarrhea
If you are not careful about what you eat, gizzards can cause diarrhea. If you have more than one serving of chicken gizzards, then it is best to avoid them for at least 48 hours before going for a meal that has a lot of fiber or fiber-rich foods. If you suffer from diarrhea already, then it’s always better to avoid eating chicken gizzards.
4. Chicken gizzards are toxic
Chicken gizzards contain toxins that are harmful to your health and should be avoided at all costs while they retain their potency and freshness. These toxins include ammonia, formaldehyde, phenol, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, and sulfites.
Conclusion
Chickens are one of the most commonly consumed meats in the world, so it makes sense that most of us will have tried eating gizzards. They are also one of the cheapest types of meat, but they are packed with nutrients that can help people to lead healthier lifestyles. There are some people who get grossed out by the appearance or smell of gizzards. If you are one of these people, it is understandable that you may want to avoid eating them. However, the benefits of gizzards outweigh the negatives and everyone should try to include them in their diet.
