You might have been told to steer clear of dark meat when choosing your poultry, but did you know that the dark meat in chicken may actually help protect women from coronary heart disease (CHD)? That’s right; it turns out that the dark meat in poultry contains a protein called taurine that may provide protection against CHD, particularly in women with high cholesterol levels.
A groundbreaking study carried out by researchers at New York University’s Langone Medical Center wanted to examine the effects of taurine on cardiovascular health, as there was very little information available about this relatively unknown nutrient. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Yu Chen, explains: “While there have been some animal studies that indicate taurine may be beneficial to cardiovascular disease, this is the first published prospective study to look at serum taurine and coronary heart disease (CHD) in humans.”
So what exactly did the researchers discover? It turns out that taurine, at least in its natural form, does seem to offer a significant level of protection for women with high cholesterol levels. This means that including dark meat in your diet could potentially help reduce your risk of developing CHD if you are a woman with high cholesterol.
Now, it’s important to note that the taurine found in dark meat is different from the synthetically-produced taurine that is sometimes added as a supplement to food and drink products. The taurine used in these products is man-made, and it’s added in unstudied amounts, which means that its health effects (or lack thereof) have not been thoroughly investigated. Dr. Chen clarifies: “We studied taurine found in the blood that originated from natural sources. The nutrient being added to energy drinks or supplements is man-made and is added in unstudied amounts. These products also often contain not only very high amounts of taurine, but a multitude of other ingredients as well such as caffeine and ginseng that may influence CHD risk.”
So if you’re thinking of reaching for an energy drink or taurine supplement in the hopes of reaping the same heart-healthy benefits, think again. The synthetic taurine found in these products is not the same as the natural taurine found in dark poultry meat, and its potential health effects should be investigated separately.
What this means for you is that it’s time to rethink the way we’ve been thinking about dark chicken meat. Instead of avoiding it due to concerns over its higher fat content, think about the potential health benefits it offers, especially if you have high cholesterol levels. The next time you’re enjoying a chicken dinner, consider giving the dark meat a try.
Of course, it’s important to remember that this study specifically focused on helping women with high cholesterol levels, so the results may not necessarily apply directly to men or women with normal cholesterol levels. However, it’s still a good reminder that dark poultry meat has its place in a balanced, healthy diet.
As with any dietary change, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have existing health concerns. If you do decide to incorporate more dark meat into your diet, consider these delicious and healthy recipe ideas:
- Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs: Place bone-in, skinless chicken thighs in your slow cooker with a delicious combination of garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs. Cook until tender, and serve with brown rice and steamed veggies for a comforting, heart-healthy meal.
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Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Stir-fry chunks of skinless dark chicken meat with a colorful variety of fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce, grated ginger, and a touch of honey. This protein-packed meal will not only fill you up, it will also provide you with the taurine your body needs.
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Mexican Chicken Tostadas: Shred cooked dark chicken meat, then toss it with your favorite taco seasoning. Pile the seasoned chicken onto crispy tostadas with a variety of toppings like chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
In conclusion, don’t let unfounded fears of dark chicken meat keep you from enjoying its potential health benefits. By including dark meat in your diet, you could potentially help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, especially if you’re a woman with high cholesterol. So go ahead, dig into that dark meat and enjoy the heart-healthy benefits!
