Chicken liver is a delicious and nutritious food that is popular in many cuisines around the world. In one container (cooked, yield from 400g raw liver) of simmered, cooked chicken liver, there are 428 calories. This organ meat is also rich in many important nutrients that are essential for maintaining good health.
A single serving of chicken liver provides an impressive 27 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. It also contains significant amounts of fat, including both saturated and unsaturated fats. In terms of vitamins and minerals, chicken liver is especially high in vitamin A, iron, selenium, and copper.
Whether you're looking to improve your overall health or simply want to add more variety to your diet, chicken liver is definitely worth considering. Keep reading to learn more about its nutritional benefits and some tasty serving suggestions.
Calories in Chicken Liver
As mentioned earlier, one container (cooked, yield from 400g raw liver) of simmered, cooked chicken liver contains 428 calories. This is a significant amount of energy, especially compared to other types of meat or vegetables. However, it's important to remember that calories are not everything. Chicken liver is also a great source of protein and many important nutrients, which makes it a healthy addition to most diets.
Protein Content in Chicken Liver
As mentioned earlier, one serving of chicken liver provides 27 grams of protein. This is a significant amount of this essential nutrient, especially compared to other types of meat or vegetables. Protein is an important building block for our bodies, and it's essential for maintaining and repairing our muscles, organs, and other tissues. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, chicken liver is a great choice.
Fat Content in Chicken Liver
Chicken liver contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. One serving provides around 14 grams of fat, with roughly half of that being saturated. While some people may be concerned about the high fat content of chicken liver, it's important to remember that dietary fat is actually an important part of a healthy diet. Just be sure to enjoy chicken liver in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Vitamin A Content in Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a particularly rich source of vitamin A, with one serving providing over 13,000 international units (IU) of this essential nutrient. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good eye health, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting healthy skin. It's especially important for pregnant women, as it's essential for fetal development.
Iron Content in Chicken Liver
Another important nutrient found in chicken liver is iron. One serving provides around 8 milligrams of this essential mineral, which is around 45% of the daily recommended intake for an adult male. Iron is important for many bodily processes, including the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen to your body's tissues. If you're at risk of iron deficiency, such as if you're pregnant or have heavy periods, chicken liver may be a particularly good food to include in your diet.
Selenium Content in Chicken Liver
Selenium is an important mineral that is involved in many bodily functions, including immune system function and thyroid hormone production. Chicken liver is a particularly good source of this nutrient, providing around 58 micrograms per serving. While it's important to get enough selenium in your diet, it's also important not to overdo it. Too much selenium can actually be harmful, so be sure to enjoy chicken liver in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Copper Content in Chicken Liver
Copper is an important mineral that is involved in many bodily processes, including the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of strong bones. One serving of chicken liver provides around 1.5 milligrams of copper, which is around 75% of the daily recommended intake for an adult. While copper deficiency is rare, it can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and other health problems, so it's important to get enough of this nutrient in your diet.
Choline Content in Chicken Liver
Choline is an essential nutrient that is important for many bodily processes, including brain function, liver health, and nerve function. One serving of chicken liver provides around 430 milligrams of choline, which is roughly 80% of the daily recommended intake for an adult male. While choline deficiency is rare, it's still important to get enough of this nutrient in your diet. Chicken liver is a particularly good source of choline, but you can also find it in other foods like eggs, beef, and broccoli.
Zinc Content in Chicken Liver
Zinc is an important mineral that is involved in many bodily processes, including immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. One serving of chicken liver provides around 3.6 milligrams of zinc, which is around 33% of the daily recommended intake for an adult male. While zinc deficiency is relatively rare, it's still important to get enough of this nutrient in your diet. Chicken liver is a good source of zinc, but you can also find it in other foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Liver
While some people might be put off by the idea of eating liver, there are actually many delicious ways to prepare chicken liver that can make it a real treat. Here are a few serving suggestions to try out:
- Sautéed chicken liver with onions and garlic
- Chicken liver mousse
- Fried chicken liver with a spicy dipping sauce
- Chicken liver pate with crackers or crostini
Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to find the ones that you like best. And don't be afraid to get creative – chicken liver is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.
FAQs About Cooked Chicken Liver (Simmered, Cooked)
1. How many calories are in one container of cooked chicken liver?
One container of cooked chicken liver yields from 400g raw liver and has 428 calories.
2. What are the health benefits of eating chicken liver?
Chicken liver is a great source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It also contains many other essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet.
3. How should I prepare and cook chicken liver?
You should clean and rinse the chicken liver thoroughly before cooking. You can then sauté it in a pan with onions and other spices, or add it to stews or soups. It should be cooked all the way through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Can I eat chicken liver if I'm on a low-fat diet?
Chicken liver is relatively high in fat, with around 15 grams in one cooked serving. If you are on a low-fat diet, you may want to limit your intake of chicken liver and opt for leaner sources of protein.
5. Are there any risks to eating chicken liver?
It is important to make sure that chicken liver is fully cooked to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. It is also high in cholesterol, so individuals with high cholesterol levels may want to limit their intake. Additionally, chicken livers may contain toxins if the chickens were raised on contaminated feed, so it is important to choose high-quality, organic chicken liver.