If you're looking for a high-protein food that's rich in B vitamins and iron, 100 grams of stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) might be just what you need. With 230 calories in each serving, it's also a relatively low-calorie option, making it a great choice for weight watchers. But the benefits don't stop there.

This versatile ingredient is a good source of essential amino acids, which provide energy and help build and repair muscles. It's also rich in iron, an important mineral that helps boost immunity and promote weight loss. Plus, the B vitamins in chicken thighs can be beneficial for brain function and nerve health.

In this article, we'll explore all the ways that stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) can benefit your overall health and well-being.

High protein content

One of the main benefits of stewed chicken thigh is its high protein content. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body, and it's especially important for athletes and active individuals who need to support their muscles. According to the USDA, 100 grams of stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) contains around 22 grams of protein, which is nearly half the recommended daily intake for adults. Protein can also help regulate your appetite and keep you feeling full for longer, which can be helpful if you're trying to lose weight.

Rich in B vitamins

Chicken thighs are also a good source of B vitamins, which play a crucial role in many aspects of your health. B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism, immune function, and brain health, among other things. 100 grams of stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) contains about 25% of the recommended daily intake of niacin, a B vitamin that can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin B6, which is important for brain function and mood regulation.

Source of iron

Iron is another essential mineral that you can get from stewed chicken thigh. Iron helps transport oxygen to your cells and tissues, which is crucial for energy production and overall health. 100 grams of stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) contains about 1.2 milligrams of iron, which is around 15% of the recommended daily intake for adults. This can be especially important for women who are at risk of iron deficiency due to menstruation.

Low calorie option

Despite all its nutritional benefits, stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) is also a relatively low-calorie option. This can be helpful if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Compared to other protein sources like beef or pork, chicken typically contains fewer calories per serving. Additionally, eating protein can help you feel full for longer, which can be helpful if you're trying to reduce your calorie intake.

Contains essential amino acids

As mentioned earlier, stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) is a good source of essential amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein, and they're essential for supporting muscle growth and repair. Unlike some plant-based protein sources, animal proteins like chicken contain all the essential amino acids that your body needs. This makes it a more complete protein source than, say, beans or legumes.

Provides energy

Another benefit of stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) is that it provides energy to fuel your body. One of the primary macronutrients found in chicken is fat, which is a key source of energy for the body. Additionally, protein can also be broken down into glucose, which can be used as fuel for the body if needed. Eating a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, and carbohydrates can help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

Helps build and repair muscles

As mentioned earlier, stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Muscle tissue is constantly being broken down and rebuilt, so it's important to consume enough protein to support this process. Eating an adequate amount of protein can help improve muscle strength, increase lean body mass, and reduce muscle loss that can occur with aging.

Boosts immunity

Chicken thigh is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system. As mentioned earlier, chicken contains B vitamins like niacin and vitamin B6, which are important for immune function. Additionally, chicken contains trace minerals like zinc and selenium, which are essential for immune function and cell growth. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can support optimal immune function.

Promotes weight loss

In addition to being a relatively low-calorie option, stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) can also help promote weight loss in other ways. As mentioned earlier, protein can help regulate your appetite and keep you feeling full for longer. This can be helpful if you're trying to reduce your calorie intake and lose weight. Additionally, eating a high-protein diet can help boost your metabolism and increase fat burning.

Versatile ingredient

Finally, one of the best things about stewed chicken thigh (skin eaten) is that it's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can add chicken to soups, stews, stir-fries, salads, or eat it on its own with a side of steamed vegetables. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with different flavors and seasonings.