The myth
Chicken is unhealthy

The truth
Chicken is rife with macronutrients and micronutrients that fuel and nourish the human body. Poultry contains all essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis. White poultry meat has a high protein content of 21-22%, while red meat is 19-20 % protein.  Epidemiological studies support the common view that an adequate intake of poultry facilitates the maintenance of healthy body weight, especially due to high protein content. It also has a positive effect in protecting the body from the risk of developing degenerative diseases common in contemporary society (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia).

Carbohydrates (sugars) are found in a small quantity in poultry as muscle glycogen is transformed into lactic acid after slaughter. As for fat, chicken fits into low saturated fat diets as it’s high in polyunsaturated fats and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Moreover, meat contains vitamin B12, which works with folic acid in many body processes, including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells and the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells and speeds signal conduction along nerve cells. B12 and folic acid also work synergistically to reduce body concentrations of homocysteine (an intermediate in the conversion of methionine to cysteine). Increased homocysteine has been implicated in a variety of conditions including atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Homocysteine likely promotes atherosclerosis by directly damaging the artery and reducing the integrity of the vessel wall. In osteoporosis, elevated homocysteine levels lead to a defective bone matrix by interfering with the formation of proper collagen.

Poultry also has a significant source of vitamin B3 (niacin), which is involved in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals and supports the adrenals. Niacin functions in the body as a component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are involved in over 50 different chemical reactions in the body. Coenzyme 1, the active form of vitamin B3, a substance present mainly in chicken and turkey, is essential to neurological health, boosting mood and combating fatigue. As far as mineral content, poultry contains important micronutrients including selenium, zinc and iron.

The myth
Chicken contains growth hormones

The truth

The use of growth hormones to breed chickens has been strictly forbidden by law since 1982 in accordance with directive 81/602 EEC of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). According to article 8, section 3 of Ordinance 199/2006, meat or products from animals treated with oestrogenic, androgenic or gestagenic agents or beta agonists cannot be placed on the market for human consumption. The use of substances such as estradiol-17B, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, trenbolone and melengestrol acetate (MGA) are strictly forbidden. As part of the Romanian government’s strategic surveillance food safety program and Ordinance 35/2016, poultry producers must agree to audits performed by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA). Product samples are collected for laboratory analysis to rule out the presence of hormones, toxic substances and medications. Moreover, AAylex has implemented its own program that monitors and verifies the presence of any such substances in its product range.

The myth
Chicken contains additives

The truth

Cocorico poultry is 100% natural. All products are free of additives, GMOs, processed materials, growth hormones and antibiotics. Chickens are fed a 100% plant-based diet based on corn, wheat, triticale and soybeans supplemented with multi-vitamins and minerals

The myth
Chicken causes weight gain

The Truth
Poultry will not make you fat, although you can gain weight if your diet is not part of a balanced lifestyle. Poultry is rich in protein, which contributes to satiety and balanced blood sugar levels. This prevents insulin resistance and the onset of metabolic disorders that can cause weight gain and obesity.