Pate, chicken liver
Category: Sausages & Luncheon Meats State: Canned
Nutrition Highlights
Serving Size
Calories
26
Nutrient
% Daily Value*
*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 | 15 (58.7%) |
| Protein | 7.0 (26.7%) |
| Carbohydrate | 3.4 (13.0%) |
| Total | 26 (100%) |
Serving: 1 tbsp [13g]
Composition
| Nutrient | Weight g (%) |
|---|---|
| Water | 8.5 (65.6%) |
| Protein | 1.7 (13.4%) |
| Fat | 1.7 (13.1%) |
| Carbohydrate | 0.9 (6.6%) |
| Ash | 0.2 (1.3%) |
| Total | 13 (100%) |
Serving: 1 tbsp [13g]
Benefits
-
High in protein and iron. One 3-ounce serving provides around 7 grams of protein and 3 mg of iron
-
Rich source of vitamin A. One serving contains around 300% of the Daily Value for vitamin A from retinol
-
Contains B vitamins. It is a good source of riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B12 which are important for energy production and red blood cell formation
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Low in calories. A 3-ounce serving has around 100 calories making it a good option for weight management
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Versatile ingredient. Can be used to make sandwiches, appetizers or spread on crackers due to its smooth texture
Risks
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High in cholesterol and saturated fat which can increase risk of heart disease if consumed in large amounts regularly
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High in purines which can trigger gout attacks in susceptible individuals
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Canned foods have a high sodium content which can raise blood pressure in sodium-sensitive people
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Liver is high in vitamin A. Excessive intake of vitamin A from supplements or food can cause side effects like headaches and liver damage
-
Canned foods are high in BPA from can linings which has been linked to health issues like infertility and heart disease
Additional Information
Pate, specifically chicken liver pate in canned form, is a food product that offers various nutritional benefits and risks. Chicken liver pate is primarily known for its high nutrient content, particularly in vitamins and minerals. However, it also poses certain risks due to its high cholesterol and vitamin A levels. Let's delve deeper into the nutritional aspects of this food item.
Starting with the nutritional benefits, chicken liver pate is an excellent source of several essential nutrients. Firstly, it is rich in high-quality protein, which is crucial for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall body function. Protein also helps in the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Chicken liver pate is also abundant in vitamins, particularly the B-vitamins. It contains significant amounts of vitamin B12, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Additionally, it provides vitamin B6, which aids in brain development, immune function, and the production of hemoglobin. Other B-vitamins found in chicken liver pate include niacin, riboflavin, and folate, all of which play vital roles in energy metabolism, cell growth, and DNA repair.
Furthermore, chicken liver pate is a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and copper. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and the prevention of anemia, while zinc and copper are involved in various enzymatic reactions, immune function, and tissue repair.
Despite its nutritional benefits, there are some risks associated with consuming chicken liver pate, particularly in canned form. One of the primary concerns is its high cholesterol content. Chicken liver is naturally high in cholesterol, and when processed into pate, the cholesterol levels may increase further. Excessive intake of dietary cholesterol can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions or those consuming a high-cholesterol diet.
Another potential risk of chicken liver pate is its vitamin A content. While vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth, excessive intake can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Canned chicken liver pate may contain higher levels of vitamin A due to the concentration during processing. Vitamin A toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, bone and joint pain, and even liver damage. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as high vitamin A levels can harm fetal development.
To conclude, canned chicken liver pate offers several nutritional benefits due to its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for overall health. However, it is important to be mindful of the risks associated with consuming this food product. The high cholesterol content may pose concerns for cardiovascular health, while excessive vitamin A intake can lead to toxicity. As with any food, moderation is key, and individuals with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating chicken liver pate into their diet.