Kadaknath Chicken available in Delhi, a perfect immunity booster in times of COVID-19
New Delhi : People these days are extremely concerned about ways to improve their immunity to keep themselves away from the novel coronavirus. During the lockdown imposed in the country to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, people started taking care of their health and preferred eating food that helps boost immunity.
With the unlocking process on even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase in the country, people still need to be extra cautious about their food habits. Some even stopped eating non-veg during the lockdown out of fear. However, there is good news for the non-vegetarians in Delhi/NCR as the famous Kadaknath Chicken is available here and it also helps to boost immunity.
Kadaknath Chicken, which is entirely black in colour: feathers, flesh, and even bones is traditionally reared by Jhabua's Adivasi communities. It contains an extremely low measure of cholesterol and fat and it is a very rich source of protein and iron, leading to a healthier and stronger body. Its meat is used for the curing of pulmonary problems like tuberculosis, heart diseases, and neurasthenia.
It contains high levels of vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nicotinic acid, top-ups of all your body vitamin needs. Regular consumption helps increase red blood cells and haemoglobin. People who have acute Asthma can get rid of the same if they add it to their diet every day.
The antioxidant properties of Kadaknath Chicken make it a decent hotspot for the protection of eyesight keep skin healthy and glowy for an extended length of time.
As the coronavirus targets people with respiratory ailments, the nutritionists have been advising to include such food items which help in improving the respiratory system.
The cholesterol level in Kadaknath meat is about 184 mg per kg while in other chicken breeds it is around 214 mg per kg. It’s meat has 25 to 27 per cent protein content, while that in other chicken breeds is about 16 to 17 per cent. It has just about one per cent fat, as against 5 to 6 per cent found in other chicken breeds.
A Delhi-based uncle and nephew duo, which has the expertise in farming of Kadaknath Chicken, are now selling it in Delhi/NCR from the open range farm in Nizamuddin, New Delhi. They also believe that the Kadaknath chicken could be the new food fad in the national capital and the adjoining regions.
"We don't use any antibiotics or medicine for the survival of chicken as they are already immune. Along with organic poultry feed, we provide them all the green vegetables (especially spinach) and fruits grown at our farm organically" says, Raja Singh, a certified poultry farmer and owner (nephew), RB Organic Farms, New Delhi.
While the claims that it can 'increase vigour' and cure respiratory illness remain questionable, the high protein and low cholesterol in the black meat are enough to turn it into a superfood for health-conscious people with discerning palates.
"Unlike normal broiler chicken, Kadaknath takes 130 days to reach its full size and weigh around 1.2-1.5 kgs. As the feed consumption is high and growth is slow, it makes this black chicken expensive and rarely available in the market," says Sanjay Singh, uncle and owner, RB Organic Farms, Delhi.
It is the same chicken that was requested to add in the culinary menu of the 21st edition of IIFA Awards and the diet of the Indian Cricket team because of its taste and multi health benefits.
Earlier last year, the head of an Agri-science centre in Madhya Pradesh urged Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli to stop eating grilled chicken and switch over to the ‘Kadaknath’ chicken. Jhabua-based Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s senior scientist and head Dr IS Tomar wrote a letter to the BCCI and Kohli asking for the same.
The Kadaknath eggs also contain a high measure of Vitamin A & D and are used to treat headaches, post-delivery problems, Asthma, and nephritis. Consuming two eggs a day can strengthen your immune system in fighting any viral infection or bacterial disease. So, even the egg lovers can include Kadanath in their diets to stay fit during this COVID-19 era.
“I always suggest that my clients to have a good quality of protein and fat in every meal because the Indian diet is very high in unnecessary carbohydrates and very low in protein. 100 grams of Kadaknath meat has many times the number of micronutrients that 100 grams of plant food may have. Would recommend Kadaknath meat and eggs for people on a diet as it helps in building muscles without gaining weight,” says Neeraj Singh, fitness and nutrition consultant at Creedfit & Keto Club India
A Delhi based Gym trainer, Neetu, says, "Being a health freak and conscious about my body shape, I consume two Kadaknath eggs a day and have observed tremendous changes in my body. The eggs taste is amazingly different from other eggs available in the market and keeps me active the whole day".
“I have always been fascinated by the Kadakanath chicken but never really got a chance to taste it. But its availability in the Delhi/NCR means I can finally get to taste it. I’d prefer cooking it at home and savour it with my family,” said Richa Shrivastav, a foodie from Noida.
