While research has linked excess meat consumption with adverse health issues like cardiovascular disease, some types of meat are more healthful choices than others. Red meat is most highly associated with health issues, whereas lean meats like turkey can actually provide many health benefits.
7 Reasons to Gobble Down Some Turkey
- Turkey is rich in potassium, valuable B vitamins, zinc and iron.
- Skinless turkey breast is less fatty than most other types of meat.
- Turkey contains selenium, a mineral that has shown promise in reducing risk of certain types of cancer such as prostate and colorectal.
- Turkey is a top-notch source of protein. A mere 4-ounce serving has over 20 grams of protein (nearly a day’s worth)!
- Pasture-raised turkey is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Turkey is rich in the amino acid tryptophan which has many important functions in the body such as regulating hormones like serotonin, regulating sleep and aiding the production of helpful B vitamin, niacin.
- Dark turkey meat in particular may play a part in helping lower cholesterol levels due to its taurine.
Considerations to Heed
Regular turkey consumption can be quite beneficial to your health but remember, everything in moderation! Turkey is healthier when its fatty skin has been removed. Also, please note that these benefits are in reference to real turkey meat, not processed sandwich meats. Many processed meats tend to be high in sodium and unhealthy nitrates.
We hope you enjoy your holiday turkey! Thanks for visiting DocChat!
