Have you ever tried chicken gizzards stewed in sour cream, curry chicken gizzards or pickled gizzards? If not, youre missing out on key nutrients that support health and well-being. Also known as the gigerium or ventriculus, the gizzard is a small muscular organ found in the digestive tract of some birds and fish. Like other organ meats, chicken and turkey gizzards are loaded with protein and taste amazing when cooked the right way.
Search for ”chicken intestine benefits” or ”organ meat benefits” online and youll see the word gizzard mentioned on health and nutrition blogs. This term refers to a tiny muscle that helps birds digest seeds and other foods. Its part of the birds stomach and helps with food breakdown. All birds, including ducks, lambs, chickens and turkeys, have a gizzard.
Poultry and turkey gizzards are a delicacy in South Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. Along with chicken liver, hearts and kidneys, theyre used in a multitude of dishes, from soups and stews to homemade snacks. You can fry, steam, sauté, grill or bake them, put them on skewers or add them to gravy and sauces.
This may come as a surprise, but gizzards are some of the healthiest and most nutritious organ meats. Theyre chock-full of protein and low in fat, which makes them ideal for dieters. Their nutritional value, though, depends on how you cook them. A 3.5-ounce serving of chicken gizzards provides:
Gizzards are also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and manganese. Plus, theyre carb free and have less than 100 calories per serving. The same amount of simmered gizzards boasts 154 calories, 30 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of fat and larger doses of selenium, zinc, iron and calcium. If you cook them with oil or butter, the calories will add up.
Chicken liver, by comparison, is slighter higher in fat but packs more nutrients. A 3.5-ounce serving (cooked) has 167 calories, 6.5 grams of fat and 24.5 grams of protein. It boasts a whopping 267 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, almost half of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and large amounts of selenium, copper and iron. Plus, it provides 281 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12.
The chicken gizzard is very rich in protein. Gizzards also contain important vitamins such as B12, which aids in brain health. high in zinc, iron and phosphorous, these minerals are essential for our bodies. They are low in fats and cholesterol.
Are Gizzards Really Healthy?
Rich in protein and minerals, gizzards can be a healthy addition to most diets. Selenium, for example, may protect against breast, bladder, lung, prostate and skin cancer, according to a 2016 meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports. This mineral aids in the production of thyroid hormones, protects against oxidative stress and supports reproductive health.
If youre trying to lose weight, look no further. Due to their high protein content, gizzards curb hunger and help you burn more calories throughout the day. In 2016, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published the results of five studies showing that high-protein diets increase fullness. This nutrient may also help prevent obesity and reduce visceral fat.
Gizzards also contain vitamin B12, which plays a key role in brain function and supports the production of red blood cells. As the National Institutes of Health points out, vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in vegans, seniors and people with anemia or gastrointestinal disorders. If left unaddressed, it may lead to memory problems, dementia, depression and fatigue. Organ meats are particularly high in this nutrient.
Get Leaner and Build Mass
Most people associate protein with chicken and turkey breast, lean beef, dairy and eggs. Organ meats are often overlooked. A single serving of cooked gizzards delivers 61 percent of the daily recommended protein intake, making it easier to stay lean. According to a 2018 review featured in the journal Nutrients, athletes can achieve better satiety and reduce muscle loss by increasing their protein intake.
However, you dont have to be an athlete to reap the benefits. Protein is made up of amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. Leucine, valine, arginine, glycine, alanine and isoleucine are just a few examples. It also helps preserve lean mass while on a diet, which in turn, helps keep your metabolism up.
In a 2017 study published in Nutrition Express, dieters who doubled their protein intake while in a caloric deficit experienced greater fat loss and muscle growth than those on a moderate protein diet. Both groups engaged in high-intensity training six days per week, but the high-protein group got better results.
Chicken Gizzards: The Surprising Carnivore Superfood!
FAQ
Is chicken gizzard good for weight loss?
Are gizzards healthier than chicken?
Can you eat chicken gizzards everyday?
Is chicken gizzard bad for cholesterol?
Are chicken gizzards healthy?
If not, you’re missing out on key nutrients that support health and well-being. Also known as the gigerium or ventriculus , the gizzard is a small muscular organ found in the digestive tract of some birds and fish. Like other organ meats, chicken and turkey gizzards are loaded with protein and taste amazing when cooked the right way.
Can gastroparesis patient eat chicken?
As long as the chicken are in small portions and prepared with low fat ingredients, patients with gastroparesis is allowed to eat this ingredient. Since gastroparesis patient has trouble emptying their stomach after a meal, they must be extra diligent in avoiding large meals and certain high fat and high fibre ingredients to avoid discomfort after eating. Chicken is rich in protein and low in fat, and therefore is allowed for gastroparesis patients.
Do chicken gizzards help with fatigue?
Iron and B12 may help with fatigue When changing diets or dealing with anemia, not getting enough iron and B12 may lead to fatigue. Chicken gizzards provide plenty of both, and iron supports brain function, healthy muscles, and the immune system. B12 also helps with converting the food we eat into energy [ * ] [ * ].
Can you eat raw chicken gizzards?
Do not eat raw chicken gizzards. Chicken gizzards sold in grocery stores are already clean, but you must rewash fresh gizzards before cooking to ensure safety. While others recommend eating raw chicken gizzards, it’s important to note that they are a possible carrier of salmonella. A cooked chicken gizzard is always safer than a raw one.