MacKenzie F – Biology
The Effects of Chicken Consumption on the Human Body
Chicken As A Protein Source
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Chicken is touted by many as a health food that aids in weight loss and a healthy lifestyle due to its low fat content and high content of a very crucial macromolecule called protein. Protein is essential for the functioning and well-being of the human body, as many of the essential proteins we need cannot be created by our bodies, therefore must be fulfilled through dietary measures. A 150 lb man with a sedentary lifestyle (a life many of us lead) would need approximately 105 grams of protein in a day. A 4 oz skinless chicken breast provides about 25 grams of protein with only one gram of fat, making chicken an ideal form of protein. The consumption of chicken produces several processes within the human body, which will be later explored. These processes are all a result of the molecular structure of proteins.
Molecular Structure of Protein
The components of a protein polymer (referred to as an amino acid) include a carbon as the center,a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino acid, and then an R-grou
p. An R-group is also known as a side chain, and this is what dictates the type of protein the polymer will be, and what function it will serve. There are 20 discovered R-groups available in the world. Chicken contains many different amino acids with different R-groups.
In particular, chicken contains a large number of Tryptophan amino acids, which are amino acids that contain the side chain known as “indole”. Tryptophan is not able to be produced naturally by the human body, which is why eating poultry is excellent for the health of an individual.
Proteins are covalently bonded by peptide bonds to form an amino acid chain. Each amino acid is a protein polymer attached to another 
amino acid. This amino acid chain forms a full protein. This is what your body uses and what makes up the muscles, enzymes, and other uses for proteins within the body.
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Function Of Chicken And Protein In The Human Body
The functions of proteins are extremely diverse and many of the functions are still undiscovered. Therefore, eating chicken leads to these crucial functions to occur within the human body. Despite the abundant purposes, the primary functions of proteins have been noted, and all serve to allow the body to work successfully and efficiently. These functions in humans include:
- Structural: Proteins make up many structures of the human body, like in skin, hair, various organs, and most importantly, the muscles of the human body. This allows mobility and supports the bone structure of the human body.
- Enzymatic Actions: Proteins make up the ginormous number of enzymes that cause biochemical reactions to speed up. Enzymes help the body with various tasks, such as breaking down fats in the digestive system (this is lipase, which is secreted by the pancreas).
- Hormones: Some hormones are produced using amino acids, and they serve functions similar to that of the hormones made by lipids. An example is the human growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This particular hormone allows for the overall growth of a human’s body parts and organs. This is why protein is extremely important for children and mothers who are pregnant.
- Antibodies: Proteins also serves as antibodies, or a blood protein that recognizes an antigen and then binds to it. Then, it communicates with the immune system and gives the signal that the antigen needs to be eliminated. These antigens include bacteria, viruses, or any other pathogen that has entered the body.
- Energy: If too much protein is available, the body will use protein for an energy source. However, if simple sugars or complex carbs are available instead, the body will simply use this instead and the protein will convert into fat cells.
While chicken allows for all of the above functions to occur, chicken is also a prime source of BCAA’s. These are said to increase the rate of protein synthesis, allowing for faster recovery of muscles. Many protein sources contain BCAA’s, but chicken contains the most per ounce of any other protein.
Health Benefits of Eating Chicken
With the increase of diets that focus on high protein and low-carb (like the ever-growing Paleo diet), chicken is an ideal staple in everyday diet. The protein in chicken allows for the numerous functions to be undertaken in the human body while still being a food that most people actually enjoy. Also, chicken is said to be great for weightloss or weight maintenance, as protein is said to stop food cravings. This is due to the hormone that signals to the body that you are full is known as leptin. Leptin is a protein hormone therefore, the more protein eaten, the more leptin produced (however, there have been speculations on the origin of leptin- from fat cells or amino acid chains).
Also, protein can ease muscle pains and promote muscle growth and repair after a difficult workout. It is especially useful for those who strength train or lift weights, although it is still necessary for endurance athletes. However, the positive health benefits of chicken can be compromised if the chicken is cooked unhealthily, as in fried or breaded in fattening oils. The protein value of the chicken is still prevalent but the minimal fat value will skyrocket if hydrogenated oils are used instead.
Sources
Journey of A chicken 