Chicken feet may often be discarded, and not many people’s favourite snack but, they are praised for containing many health benefits that are mostly attributed to their high collagen content. For the Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese and Filipinos, chicken feet are a culinary delicacy.
South Africans and other African countries also snack on this delicacy, at times dished out as a meal by many underprivileged families. Below are some health benefits found in eating chicken feet:
Improve Immune System
Chicken feet are a very nutritious snack that also boosts the immune system. This is because of the mineral content which is very beneficial to build health. It also contains collagen and some minerals such as copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and also calcium. Some of these minerals are useful in overcoming attacks from diseases. So, by consuming it regularly can boost the immune system in the body.
Rejuvenate Skin
Chicken feet are rich in collagen which is great for the skin! It helps the skin to regenerate its cells and maintain it from harm. This increases the elasticity of the skin and prevents premature aging that makes the skin look wrinkled.
Accelerate Wound Healing
The content of collagen and a number of protein components in chicken feet, as well as a number of albumin components, give chicken feet the ability to accelerate wound healing and also help overcome cell damage. In addition, with the ability of chicken feet in encouraging the acceleration of the process of replacement of damaged cells, then eating chicken feet will greatly help the body increase its ability to attack the infection. Damage to cells due to infection with more quickly overcome, so the body will be more effective in combating the incoming bacteria attack.
Lower Blood Pressure
Chicken feet are said to contain more collagen protein than chicken breast meat. This chicken feet’s collagen protein has the function to lower blood pressure. This collagen can lower plasma renin levels, so as not to make blood pressure becomes higher. It also contains potassium, so people who have hypertension will get better if consuming chicken feet.
Overcome Digestive Problem
Chicken feet can be a soup or broth that tastes very delicious. Even all the nutrients like protein, collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine will also dissolve into the soup. The benefit of these various nutrients is great for making digestion healthier. The effects of these nutrients are also very important to make the intestines healthier, making your digestive tract healthier.
Check out our Chicken Feet Recipe page to learn how to cook your own!
ALSO SEE: From Mopani Worms to Magege: 6 Must-try foods in Limpopo
Originally written by Bongiwe Mati for Bona
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