Discover the nutritional benefits of sesame chicken and learn how to make this popular dish a healthy addition to your diet.
Sesame chicken is a popular dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. While it may be considered a guilty pleasure by some, sesame chicken can actually be a nutritious addition to your diet when prepared in a healthy way.
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. By choosing chicken breast and baking or grilling the chicken instead of frying, you can keep the dish low in unhealthy fats.
Sesame seeds, which are used to make the sauce in sesame chicken, are a good source of healthy fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are important for brain function, cell growth, and reducing inflammation in the body.
Sesame seeds are also rich in iron and calcium, two minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy bones and preventing anemia. Incorporating sesame chicken into your diet can help boost your intake of these important nutrients.
The sesame seeds used in sesame chicken are packed with antioxidants, such as sesamol and sesamin. These compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
To make sesame chicken even more nutritious, consider using whole grain breading for the chicken, reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce, and adding extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.