A 1 unit serving (yield from 1 lb ready-to-cook chicken) of simmered, cooked chicken hearts contains just 2 calories. Chicken hearts may not be a common food item, but they are packed full of nutritional benefits.

Despite having low calories, chicken hearts have a high protein content that helps to support muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they are also rich in micronutrients like zinc and selenium, which support various bodily functions.

In this article, we will explore the various benefits of eating chicken hearts for your overall health and well-being.

Chicken hearts are an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing approximately 27 grams of protein per 100 grams of hearts. This makes them a beneficial food item for individuals looking to build muscles, recover from injuries or surgeries, and overall strength training. Proteins also play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. The amino acids found in chicken hearts are beneficial for maintaining the structure and function of these body parts.

Chicken hearts, despite being a high-protein food, have very few calories. A serving of 1 unit of chicken hearts contains only 2 calories, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to maintain or lose weight. Eating chicken hearts as a low-calorie, high-nutrient food can also help to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Chicken hearts contain a variety of micronutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12. These are essential for various bodily functions, including boosting immunity, maintaining heart health, and supporting cognitive functions. Zinc and selenium are powerful antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Vitamin B12 is necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system, producing red blood cells, and improving cognitive performance.

Chicken hearts are also an excellent source of iron, a mineral that is essential for producing healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in iron can cause anemia, which results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Consuming iron-rich foods like chicken hearts may help to prevent iron deficiency anemia and maintain healthy hemoglobin levels.

Chicken hearts are rich in vitamin B6, a nutrient responsible for breaking down the protein in food and producing enzymes that aid in digestion. Consuming chicken hearts may help individuals with digestive issues by providing the necessary nutrients to improve digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Chicken hearts contain nutrients like magnesium and selenium that help to maintain a healthy heart. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease while selenium helps to reduce inflammation, which is a major contributor to heart disease.

The high iron content in chicken hearts helps to transport oxygen throughout the body to produce energy. Consuming iron-rich foods like chicken hearts may help people with low energy levels, including those suffering from anemia, combat fatigue and feel more energized.

The micronutrients found in chicken hearts like zinc, selenium, and iron help to support the immune system. Zinc helps to boost white blood cell production while selenium helps to reduce oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system. Iron is also necessary for healthy immune function.

Chicken hearts are rich in beneficial nutrients like vitamin B12, which promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, the amino acids found in chicken hearts may also help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The micronutrients found in chicken hearts like zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium play a vital role in maintaining a healthy brain and cognitive function. Vitamin B12 is necessary for producing healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to the brain while zinc helps to improve memory and cognitive performance. Selenium also helps to reduce oxidative stress and protect the brain from cognitive decline.