With the improvement of people's living standards, the concern about food safety is also increasing. Recently, the claim that chicken necks contain too much lymph and toxins has attracted widespread attention, leaving many chicken neck lovers wondering and worrying: can we still eat such delicious food with peace of mind?
In fact, this concern is not entirely necessary. It is true that the subcutaneous tissue of the chicken neck contains more lymphatic glands, which may accumulate some pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. In addition, tissues such as the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are also present in the neck of chickens. But the point is that if we buy chicken necks from trusted suppliers, these tissues are usually removed during processing, so the health effects of chicken necks are manageable as long as they are consumed in moderation.
In other words, as long as you make sure that the chicken neck is safely sourced and properly processed, you don't need to worry too much about enjoying this dish. Of course, as medical experts, we always recommend that everyone pursue a balanced and moderate diet, which is the key to a healthy life.
Do you really know about chicken, and what parts of chicken should not be eaten?
Heavy Metal Content in Chicken Heads: Truths and Misconceptions
Regarding the saying that "ten years of chicken head is better than arsenic", most of them are folk rumors. In fact, a study by the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences shows that whether it is a 2-year-old or 6-month-old chicken, or a free-range chicken for more than a year, there is no significant difference in the heavy metal content of their heads, which are in line with national safety standards. Therefore, this rumor lacks scientific basis. Chickens may absorb some heavy metals during growth, but they are metabolized by the liver and kidneys and do not accumulate particularly in the head. As long as the source is reliable and cooked properly, it is safe to eat chicken heads.
Lymphatic problems in chicken necks: safety and management
Chicken necks are mistaken for containing a large number of lymph nodes that are not suitable for consumption, which is a misunderstanding of the physiological structure. From the perspective of food safety, microorganisms in lymph nodes are difficult to remove immediately after slaughter, and there are potential health risks. However, these lymphoid tissues are mainly distributed under the skin. To be on the safe side, the chicken neck skin can be removed before cooking. With proper handling, chicken necks are safe and tasty food.
Health risks of chicken tails: Myths and the right thing to do
There are two special glands in the tail of chickens – the supraluminal sac and the caudal fat gland. The supraluminal capsule, which serves as the primary immune organ, may contain pathogens and metabolic wastes. The tail fat glands are susceptible to contamination due to direct contact with the external environment. These two parts should be removed before consumption. Chicken tails sold in the market are usually clean, but it is recommended to avoid consuming them when handling live chickens at home.
The Nutritional Value of Chicken Soup: Truth and Common Myths
Although many people believe that chicken soup is the essence of chicken, in fact, more than 95% of chicken soup is water, and the rest is mainly fat, protein, and sodium. In the case of protein, for example, there is much more in chicken than in chicken broth. Cooking chicken broth for a long time may lead to increased fat and purine content, which is not good for people with high uric acid. In terms of comprehensive nutritional intake, direct consumption of chicken is more reasonable.
"Pointed Wings" ≠ "Wing Tips"
The misconception about the tip of the chicken wings and the injection site needs to be clarified from two perspectives. First of all, a common misconception is to confuse chicken wing tips with chicken tips. In fact, the tip of the chicken refers to the buttocks of the chicken, which is composed of the tail bone formed by the vestigial coccyx bone and the flesh around it, and this part is often called the chicken tip, chicken triangle, etc. The tip of the wing is the most distal part of the wing, and the two are completely different parts in between.
Secondly, regarding the location of injection administration, the common practice is to choose the site with loose chicken skin for subcutaneous injection. For example, when administering a vaccine, the tip of the wing is usually not chosen, but the position under the wing. It is important to understand that antibiotics in chickens are not only present at the injection site. These drugs are distributed throughout the body through the circulatory system, so it is one-sided to focus only on the residue at the injection site. In fact, many antibiotics are even given through drinking water. As long as the farming process follows the relevant regulations, antibiotic residues will not have a negative impact on the health of the consumers.
For the site known as the tip of the chicken, there are two structures that should be removed: the caudal fat gland and the supraluminal capsule. Located on the dorsal side of the buttocks, the caudal fat glands are the only fat glands in the chicken's body and are usually removed during a standardized slaughter process to avoid affecting the quality of the meat. The role of the tail fat glands is to secrete fat, which is used by chickens to coat their feathers and play a protective role. For home-slaughtered chickens, it is best to remove them before eating because this part is directly exposed, which can easily cause gland blockage or inflammation.