Chicken, cornish game hens


 Category: Poultry Products  Parts: Meat And Skin  Method: Raw

 Nutrition Highlights 


 Serving Size

 Calories

170


 Nutrient
% Daily Value*

  Total Fat 12 g
15 %

     MUFA 5.2 g   High

     PUFA 2.4 g   High

     Saturated Fat 3.3 g
17 %

  Cholesterol 86 mg
29 %

  Sodium 52 mg
2 %

  Protein 15 g
29 %

  Water 58 g

  Minerals --
     Selenium 10 mcg
18 %

     Calcium 9.4 mg
1 %

     Potassium 201 mg
4 %

     Zinc 1.0 mg
9 %

     Iron 0.7 mg
4 %

     Magnesium 15 mg
4 %

     Phosphorus 119 mg
10 %

     Copper 0.04 mg
5 %

     Manganese 0.01 mg
1 %

  Vitamins --
     Vitamin A 27 mcg   High
3 %

     Vitamin C 0.4 mg
0 %

     Niacin / B3 4.8 mg   High
30 %

     Pantothenic acid / B5 0.5 mg
10 %

     Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
15 %

     Thiamin / B1 0.06 mg
5 %

     Riboflavin / B2 0.1 mg
11 %

     Folate / B9 2.6 mcg
1 %

     Vitamin B12 0.3 mcg
12 %

     Vitamin E 0.2 mg
2 %

     Vitamin K 2.0 mcg
2 %


*Daily Values are based on the reference caloric intake of 2,000 calories for adults and children aged 4+ years. Source: Food & Drug Administration
 Calorie Sources 
  Nutrient Calories kcal (%)
 Fat 107 (63.0%)
 Protein 58 (34.4%)
Total 170 (100%)

 Serving: 3 oz [85g]


 Composition 
  Nutrient Weight g (%)
 Water 58 (68.2%)
 Protein 15 (17.2%)
 Fat 12 (14.0%)
 Ash 0.7 (0.8%)
Total 85 (100%)

 Serving: 3 oz [85g]


 Benefits 
  • High in protein, with 3 ounces providing around 25 grams of protein which helps build and repair muscles

  • A good source of B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6 which are important for energy metabolism

  • Contains selenium which is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. 3 ounces provides around 15% of the Daily Value

  • Rich in phosphorus which is important for bone health and cell growth and repair. 3 ounces provides around 15% of the Daily Value

  • Low in fat and calories with 3 ounces containing only around 100 calories and 2 grams of fat

 Risks 
  • Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter that can cause food poisoning if undercooked

  • Raw chicken skin contains higher fat content than meat alone which increases calorie and saturated fat intake if consumed in large amounts

  • Cornish game hens are smaller birds so the meat to bone ratio is lower compared to full sized chickens. This means more bone fragments can potentially be consumed

  • Eating raw chicken increases risk of cross-contamination of surfaces and utensils which can then spread harmful bacteria to other foods. Proper handling and cleaning is important

  • Higher consumption of saturated fat from skin increases risk of heart disease, obesity and other health issues if not accounted for in overall diet


 Additional Information 

Chicken, Cornish game hens, meat and skin, raw, is a food product that offers several nutritional benefits as well as potential risks. Let's delve into the primary attributes and secondary attributes of this item to understand its nutritional profile.

The primary attribute of this food product is chicken, specifically Cornish game hens. These small birds are a good source of lean protein. Protein is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining muscles, supporting the immune system, and producing enzymes and hormones.

Additionally, chicken meat contains essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Chicken is particularly rich in tryptophan, which is important for the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep.

Chicken, including Cornish game hens, is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It provides B vitamins such as niacin, which aids in energy metabolism, and vitamin B6, which is involved in brain development and function. Chicken is also a source of minerals like phosphorus, which is essential for bone health, and selenium, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.

However, it is important to consider the secondary attribute of this food product, which is the inclusion of the skin. While the skin adds flavor and moisture to the meat, it also increases the calorie and fat content. Chicken skin is high in saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is advisable to consume chicken without the skin or to remove the skin before cooking to reduce the overall fat content.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the method of preparation greatly affects the nutritional value of chicken. Raw chicken may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to handle and cook chicken properly to eliminate any potential risks. Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended to ensure it is safe to consume.

In conclusion, chicken, specifically Cornish game hens, meat and skin, raw, provides several nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of lean protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, the inclusion of the skin increases the calorie and saturated fat content, which can be detrimental to cardiovascular health. Proper handling and cooking of chicken are essential to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. To enjoy the nutritional benefits of chicken while minimizing risks, it is advisable to consume skinless chicken and ensure it is cooked thoroughly.