Chemical composition
Chicken liver contains a lot of protein. There are also trace elements present here, including:
- zinc, iron,
- chrome, copper,
- manganese.
The composition also contains very rare substances, for example, selenium and cobalt. If you analyze the macroelements, then it contains:
- magnesium, phosphorus,
- calcium, sodium,
- potassium.
Even with poor nutrition, the product is able to replenish the body's reserves. It contains a set of useful vitamins.
Benefits and beneficial properties
1. Experts advise eating this offal and including it in various diets.
2. The beneficial properties of chicken liver can be felt even if you do not consume it regularly. Dishes made from it have a positive effect on strengthening bones and muscles.
3. The product normalizes sleep, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improves immunity.
What is useful for women
1. Women should definitely include chicken liver in their diet. This will improve the condition of the skin, teeth, nails and hair.
2. The by-product contains riboflavin. Thanks to this, women can avoid anemia and the negative consequences of this disease.
3. It is worth mentioning separately about iodine and selenium. They are important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
What is useful for men
1. Chicken liver is also beneficial for men. Because it contains pantothenic acid. This acid is responsible for the full functioning of the adrenal glands. And they, in turn, regulate the function of conception.
2. Chicken liver is needed by those men who are physically active. The product helps to quickly build muscle mass and recover from illnesses in a short time.
3. The offal has a positive effect on potency, increases blood flow, and increases sexual activity.
For children
Complementary foods in the form of meat products can be given to children from about 8 months. As for chicken liver, it is given as late as possible, offering a product with a delicate consistency.
It contains an optimal set of minerals and vitamins. It helps increase immunity and improve hematopoietic function.
For small children, it is better to boil the offal for about 10-15 minutes and then puree it. You can also prepare souffles, cutlets, soups. Children over two years old can already be given chicken liver cooked in the oven.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman needs additional sources of protein and vitamins. For this reason, she definitely needs to consume this offal.
It contains folic acid, which helps the normal course of pregnancy and the formation of the embryo.
When breastfeeding
During lactation, chicken liver is consumed with caution, no more than 1-2 times a week. It is better to refrain from fried offal, replacing it with boiled or stewed. Then the food will bring maximum benefit to both mother and baby.
Chicken liver with mushrooms
For weight loss
You can make soup or salad from this offal, which will help you lose weight. In addition, there are a number of diets based on the consumption of this product.
But nutritionists do not advise overusing chicken liver. It is enough to eat one dish from it a day. As a supplement, you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, and fish.
Nutritional value and nutritional value of chicken liver prepared in different ways
As you know, the final composition of a dish largely depends on exactly how it was made. So, for example, boiled and fried chicken liver will differ not only in calorie content, but also in the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, since some of these compounds disintegrate during the cooking process, while others, on the contrary, are concentrated.
How many calories per 100 grams in raw chicken liver
First, you should consider the calorie content of raw giblets. Of course, the liver in this form is not eaten, but this information is necessary in order to understand what type of product this offal can be classified as.
The calorie content of chicken liver in its raw form is 136 kilocalories. Per 100 grams of pure product there are about 19 grams of animal protein, 6.5 grams of fat and only 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Calorie content of chicken liver fried in oil
Frying is undoubtedly a very suitable cooking method for chicken liver. Giblets are fried quite quickly, and their taste increases several times.
Despite this, fried offal has a significant disadvantage - it can be a stretch to call it dietary.
100 grams of this meat delicacy contains more than 200 calories. The amount of protein is 31 grams, since part of the liquid evaporates during the frying process and the weight of the liver becomes smaller. The volume of fats and carbohydrates increases due to oil and amounts to 9 and 2 grams, respectively.
How many kcal are in chicken liver stewed in water without oil?
Stewing is a kind of golden mean in terms of cooking chicken giblets. The dish turns out to be juicy and tasty at the same time, but not greasy and dietary.
The calorie content of 100 grams of liver stewed in water is only 165 kcal. If you add onions to this dish, the total energy value will be even less and will be only 137 calories. BJU is distributed as 17 grams, 6 grams and 1.7 grams, respectively.
Calorie content of boiled and steamed chicken liver
This method of preparing chicken by-product is intended primarily for those gourmets who strictly adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Of course, it also has its downside - the taste of boiled liver is in many ways inferior to the quality of a fried or stewed product.
However, this cooking method also has a significant advantage - the concentration of protein in steamed or boiled liver is comparable to the fried variety of food.
The energy value of boiled liver is 160 kcal. This by-product contains 26 grams of protein, and 6 grams and 2 grams of fat and carbohydrates.
Nutritional value of oven-baked chicken liver
It is impossible not to mention this method of preparing chicken giblets, such as baking. It all depends on what part of the dish the chicken liver is part of.
If you cook it in its pure form and grease the shape and pieces with vegetable oil, then the energy value of such a dish will be similar to the calorie content of fried food. Liver baked with vegetables will be slightly higher in calories than stewed liver due to pre-frying of the ingredients.
Which liver is healthier: chicken or beef?
Both chicken and beef liver are inexpensive and the products can be prepared quickly. Beef liver is lower in calories. Folic acid is contained in poultry products in much larger quantities.
But, beef liver contains much more B Vitamins and retinol. Scientists have found that systematic consumption of beef liver improves hematopoietic function and increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Both products strengthen the immune system and support the normal functioning of the nervous system. We can conclude that both by-products are equally useful, but it probably doesn’t make sense to say which one is better.
How to choose and how to store
If you carefully choose a product, it will be as healthy and tasty as possible. First of all, there should be no inclusions in the liver.
It has a smooth surface and a slight sheen. The product has a burgundy-brown tint. If large vessels or blood clots are visible on it, it is better to refuse the purchase.
They say about a low-quality product:
- heterogeneity,
- looseness,
- clots,
- fatty areas.
If there is a green color on the liver, this means that traces of an enzyme were introduced during packaging. This by-product is of poor quality. When frozen, the product acquires an orange tint.
When the liver is thawed and frozen several times, it becomes crumbly. In order for the food to be healthy, you need to buy fresh or chilled offal. If defrosting is required, this is done first in the refrigerator compartment.
It is believed that the most delicious chicken liver is the one obtained by cutting up domestic chicken. Accordingly, it is better to purchase goods at the farmers market.
After purchase, storage is allowed for 48 hours. Storage at room temperature lasts up to 12 hours. After this time, the offal is not suitable for consumption.
How not to make a mistake when choosing a liver?
The key to a delicious dish is quality ingredients. When choosing a liver, adhere to the following rules:
- The optimal shelf life of a refrigerated product is 48 hours. When purchasing liver in a supermarket, pay attention to the date the product was packaged and packaged.
- Pay attention to the color. It should be a rich dark burgundy, wine or red-brown. There should be no other shades, as this is evidence that the bird was sick. This fact may affect the final taste, as the dish may be bitter.
- The smell of fresh liver is bloody, slightly sweet. If it is sour, the product is expired.
- If a section of a frozen product is covered with a thin, uniform layer of white ice, this is primary freezing and the product is fresh. If pinkish crystals are visible, this indicates re-freezing. If there are foreign pieces of ice in the packaged piece, the seller cheated. The actual weight of the liver is lower than stated, as the weight was artificially increased by adding water.
- The surface is shiny and smooth.
Is it possible to freeze
Chicken liver can be frozen, but you should only do it once. Repeated freezing significantly reduces the quality of the offal. At a temperature of minus 10 degrees, most beneficial substances last for several months.
Repeated re-freezing makes this offal unfit for consumption. During this process, it becomes covered with dark spots, and mucus may appear. Eating dishes made from such chicken liver can lead to poisoning.
Stewed in cream
Why is it useful?
Due to its relatively low calorie content and a wide range of beneficial substances included in its composition, chicken liver regularly becomes an integral part of various dietary menus.
The useful features of this product are as follows:
- improvement of metabolism;
- improving blood quality;
- strengthening bones and muscles;
- normalization of sleep;
- beneficial effect on heart function;
- increasing immunity;
- improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
How to cook deliciously
Dishes made from this product are very easy to prepare. They are characterized by a rich vitamin and mineral composition and a high content of easily digestible protein.
Cooks prepare many delicious masterpieces from it, from pates to full-fledged main courses. Housewives can find recipes for dressing sauces, pancakes, rolls, pies, and chicken liver casseroles.
It is cooked in a frying pan, in the oven, in pots, in a slow cooker. Stewed liver with heavy cream turns out very tasty. The offal is combined with potatoes, cereals, mushrooms and vegetables.
There is no need to soak the offal before cooking. Chicken liver may be slightly bitter, but if there is strong bitterness, then most likely the product is already spoiled.
Note to housewives:
How to cook chicken liver in a frying pan - 11 simplest and most delicious recipes
How to make a delicious liver cake - 6 simple recipes
Chicken liver pancakes - 11 simplest and most delicious autumn recipes
Chicken liver: calorie content, composition, how to use
Chicken liver is beneficial for the body with its rich composition. It contains a lot of iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus. In addition, the product contains vitamins A, PP, E, and group B.
The calorie content of chicken liver is 137.6 kcal per 100 g .
The by-product is widely used in cooking and dietetics. Delicious snacks, salads, main courses, pates, soups, etc. are prepared from the liver.
Chicken liver is healthy when fried, boiled or stewed.
1. The simplest and most accessible recipe for preparing a popular offal is fried liver with onions . The dish turns out extremely tender and tasty.
To begin with, the liver is washed well, then cut into pieces and placed in a heated frying pan with vegetable oil, and fried until golden brown.
Then throw the onion into the semi-finished dish, mix, add a little water, sour cream or mayonnaise and, cover with a lid, simmer over low heat.
If desired, you can add your favorite seasonings: bay leaf, pepper and, of course, salt. Delicious and healthy chicken liver is ready!
2. A fragrant and tender liver dish is also prepared according to a French recipe . First, mix flour with paprika, then roll the offal slices in this mixture.
Heat vegetable oil and butter in a deep frying pan, add mushrooms and sauté. Remove with a slotted spoon. Then add oil again and fry the onion, and then the garlic. Mix everything well and again transfer it to another bowl using a slotted spoon.
Now it’s time to fry the chicken liver in the same container, after pouring olive oil. After frying, the liver can be placed on a plate for now.
Next, scald the tomatoes with boiling water, remove the skin, and chop the pulp. Now pour wine into the bowl (where the vegetables and liver were processed), add dill seeds, boil for a couple of minutes, add pieces of tomatoes.
After this, add liver, onions, and mushrooms. Mix everything, salt and sprinkle with pepper. Dish - delicious and healthy chicken liver is ready to eat!
3. An unusually tender pate . The classic cooking recipe is as follows: the liver is washed, dried and crushed. Cut the onion into half rings and grate the carrots. Then the onions and carrots are fried and the liver is placed on top.
Simmer the dish for 5-7 minutes, then cover with a lid and cook for another 10 minutes. Finally, sprinkle in pepper and salt.
Grind all components using a blender, add a piece of softened butter and mix. The product is completely ready to use!
4. Although chicken liver is not very high in calories, you should follow some rules in your diet. So, before cooking, the liver must be cleaned of connective tissue and fatty deposits. Then it is best to soak it in milk and boil for 15 minutes.
This method of cooking without adding sour cream, flour, etc. is ideal for people who want to keep their shape.
In addition, those losing weight can use boiled chicken liver with the addition of garlic, herbs, and spices. The product can also be combined with carrots, corn, eggplants, zucchini, and pumpkin.
To lose weight, prepare warm salads from boiled chicken liver with bell pepper, cucumber, onion or garlic. These dishes are seasoned with olive oil or soy sauce.
It is good to eat chicken liver with balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
5. Chicken liver is used in medicine to increase hemoglobin levels , improve vision, and increase the body's defenses.
In addition, the product is effective for thyroid diseases, thick blood, and loss of strength.
6. Due to its beneficial properties, chicken liver, as mentioned above, is a dietary product. Steam cutlets are prepared from it . The liver, after washing, is passed through a meat grinder, and carrots and onions are thrown into it.
The minced meat is salted, peppered and, after giving it the shape of cutlets, placed in a double boiler. Delicious cutlets are prepared for about half an hour and served with fresh vegetables.
7. Chicken liver - a healthy product used to make liver rolls . 200 g of the product are stewed with onions in a deep frying pan, then a layer of liver, sweet pepper (cut into strips), cucumber and lettuce are placed in the prepared seaweed for rolls. Everything is rolled up and cut into small rolls. The delicious dish is served with soy sauce.
8. Large chicken livers make excellent chops . The liver is pre-washed, lightly beaten, rolled in flour or breadcrumbs (don’t forget to add salt and pepper), then dipped in a mixture of beaten egg and a little water and fried in very hot vegetable oil. After this, cover the chops with a lid and simmer a little over low heat.
Harm and contraindications
Unfortunately, like any other product, chicken liver has a number of contraindications for consumption:
1. It should not be eaten in acute renal failure.
2. It is strictly forbidden to introduce it into the menu if you have a tendency to poorly digest chicken protein or are completely intolerant to it.
3. It is not advisable for allergy sufferers to eat chicken liver dishes.
4. Before consuming this product if you have high cholesterol levels in your blood, it is better to consult a doctor.
5. It is better to avoid this product in case of acute diseases of the digestive and excretory systems.
6. In addition, you should not eat offal that is stale or has visible defects. This can harm the body and cause food poisoning.
Benefits for pancreatitis
Chicken liver is allowed if pancreatitis is in remission. In case of exacerbation, this product can harm the patient due to its high cholesterol content and possible irritation of the pancreas.
The liver is useful in the treatment of this disease due to the following factors:
- it contains protein that is easily digestible;
- the product contains a very small amount of fat;
- has a beneficial effect on the patient’s nervous system;
- reduces the risk of blood clots in blood vessels;
- improves heart function.
I strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor before introducing liver into the patient’s menu.