Factor’s Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple offers 450-550 calories per serving, combining lean protein and healthy fats for immune and digestive support.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the detailed nutritional profile of Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple, discussing its macronutrient breakdown, micronutrient contributions, health benefits, and dietary considerations for a well-rounded meal experience.
Complete Nutritional Profile of Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple:
Factor’s Caribbean Spiced Chicken with Pineapple is a meal that brings together the rich, spicy taste of seasoned chicken and the sweetness of pineapple for a balance of nutrition and indulgence. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of its nutritional components per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
- Protein: 30-35 grams (aiding muscle building and repair)
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams, mostly from natural sugars in pineapple and vegetables
- Fats: 15-20 grams (including healthy fats from cooking oils and any added ingredients)
- Fiber: 3-5 grams (contributing to digestive health and satiety)
- Sodium: 600-800 mg (from seasoning and marinade)
- Sugars: 15-20 grams, primarily natural sugars from pineapple
This profile provides a balanced amount of calories, with each macronutrient carefully proportioned to support a healthy diet. The higher protein content helps with muscle repair and maintenance, while the natural carbohydrates provide sustained energy.
Ingredient Breakdown and Their Nutritional Contributions:
To fully appreciate the nutritional benefits of Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple, let’s take a closer look at each major ingredient and how it contributes to the overall health profile of this dish.
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Caribbean Spiced Chicken:
- Calories and Protein: Chicken breast, used in this dish, is a lean protein source with minimal fat, making it an excellent choice for muscle building, repair, and long-lasting fullness. With 30-35 grams of protein per serving, it supports muscle growth and recovery, especially beneficial for active individuals and fitness enthusiasts.
- Caribbean Spice Blend: The seasoning blend often includes aromatic herbs and spices such as allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers. These spices not only add depth and warmth to the dish but also provide additional health benefits. Allspice, for example, contains eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, while thyme is rich in antioxidants like thymol and carvacrol. Additionally, scotch bonnet peppers contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting effects and potential to support heart health by improving blood circulation.
Pineapple:
- Natural Sugars and Carbohydrates: Pineapple contributes natural sweetness to the dish, primarily through simple carbohydrates that provide quick energy. The natural sugars in pineapple are balanced by fiber, preventing a rapid spike in blood sugar and supporting stable energy release.
- Vitamin C: Pineapple is an exceptional source of vitamin C, with a single serving providing up to 50% of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, essential for immune health, collagen production, and skin repair.
- Bromelain: This unique enzyme, found only in pineapple, plays a role in protein digestion, helping the body break down proteins more efficiently. This can reduce bloating and aid in digestion, making it a great post-meal benefit. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing pain and swelling, beneficial for those with arthritis or joint pain.
Additional Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:
- This dish often includes bell peppers, onions, and a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. These vegetables add vibrant color, flavor, and a dose of essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, potassium, and folate.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin A and C, bell peppers are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids that support eye health and the immune system. They’re also low in calories, high in water content, and help add bulk to the dish without raising the calorie count significantly.
- Onions: Known for their antibacterial properties, onions also offer B vitamins and fiber, supporting digestion and metabolism.
- Herbs like Cilantro: Fresh herbs add both flavor and nutrients. Cilantro, for example, contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium, which support cardiovascular health and electrolyte balance.
Health Benefits of Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple:
In addition to the vibrant flavors, this dish offers several key health benefits:
- Immunity Boost: The high vitamin C content from pineapple and peppers strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C also supports skin health by aiding collagen production and helps the body fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.
- Supports Muscle Recovery and Fullness: With its high protein content, this dish is excellent for muscle repair, making it a great choice post-exercise. Protein also promotes satiety, helping with appetite control and aiding in weight management efforts.
- Promotes Digestive Health: Pineapple’s bromelain enzyme plays a role in breaking down proteins, which can ease digestion, especially for those with mild digestive discomfort after protein-heavy meals. The fiber content in the dish from vegetables also supports regular bowel movements and maintains gut health.
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The Caribbean spices in this dish, especially allspice and scotch bonnet peppers, contain compounds that have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption of anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve joint health, and support heart health.
- Balanced Energy Levels: This meal’s combination of proteins, carbs, and fats provides a steady release of energy. The natural sugars in pineapple offer quick energy, while the fiber and protein slow down digestion, ensuring that you stay full and energized for longer.
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Dietary Considerations and Modifications:
Factor’s Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple is designed to be health-conscious, but here are a few considerations for those with specific dietary needs or preferences:
- Low-Carb Options: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you may wish to reduce the pineapple portion, as it is the primary source of natural sugars. Alternatively, adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can help bulk up the meal without raising the carbohydrate count.
- Sodium Awareness: With 600-800 mg of sodium, this dish falls within moderate sodium levels, suitable for most individuals. However, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, consider using half of the seasoning or rinsing the chicken before cooking to remove excess salt.
- Whole Ingredients and Clean Eating: Factor meals prioritize whole, nutrient-dense ingredients with minimal processing. This dish is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup, aligning well with clean-eating diets.
Tips for Recreating Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple at Home:
Inspired to bring the flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen? Here are some tips for recreating or customizing this dish:
- Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for skinless chicken breast to keep the protein high and fat content low. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in spices overnight.
- Incorporate Leafy Greens: Serving the dish on a bed of leafy greens like spinach or kale adds extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the nutritional profile without extra calories.
- Experiment with Healthy Fats: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a few slices of avocado for extra healthy fats. These fats help with nutrient absorption and add a creamy texture.
- Mindful Portioning: If watching sugar intake, consider reducing the pineapple portion or balancing it with more vegetables to enjoy the flavor without increasing sugar content.
FAQ’s
1. What are the main ingredients in Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple?
The dish primarily consists of chicken breast, pineapple, a blend of Caribbean spices, bell peppers, onions, and fresh herbs.
2. How many calories does a serving contain?
Each serving contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on specific ingredient portions and preparation methods.
3. What are the health benefits of this dish?
It boosts immunity with vitamin C, supports muscle recovery with high protein, promotes digestive health, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and offers balanced energy levels.
4. Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
While it contains natural sugars from pineapple, those on a low-carb diet can reduce the pineapple portion or increase non-starchy vegetables.
5. Can I recreate this dish at home?
Yes, you can recreate it by using skinless chicken breast, adding leafy greens, and adjusting spices to taste, along with mindful portioning of pineapple.
Conclusion
In summary, Factor’s Caribbean Spiced Chicken and Pineapple is a well-balanced meal that delivers a nutritious blend of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both flavor and health benefits. With its high vitamin C content and digestive-supporting ingredients, this dish promotes immunity and muscle recovery while providing sustained energy. Whether enjoyed as a convenient meal or recreated at home, it caters to various dietary preferences and encourages a wholesome eating experience.