Not just for Thanksgiving! Turkey's "8 Healthy Benefits": Higher protein content than chicken
“Thanksgiving” is an important holiday in Western countries, scheduled on the fourth Thursday of November. For example, in the United States, Canada and other countries, it is customary for families to reunite during this period and enjoy a “turkey” dinner together to celebrate the festival. Although Taiwan does not have the habit of celebrating Thanksgiving, research has found that turkey is indeed a meat with extremely high nutritional value, and eating it in moderation can promote good health.
As for what nutrients turkey has? What are the benefits to the body? Based on the research and guidelines released by the academic community in the past, there are generally the following 8 benefits. People who are currently in the weight loss stage or want to improve their diet may wish to refer to them:
1. Good source of protein.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, a publication directly affiliated with Harvard University, a serving of skinless turkey, about 85 grams, contains 26 grams of protein, only 2 grams of fat, and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat. Protein helps maintain and grow muscles, transport nutrients, and strengthen the structure of cells. Additionally, a high-protein diet can aid weight loss and promote a certain feeling of satiety.
2. Very low heat.
“Harvard Health Publishing” states that an 85-gram serving of turkey has only 177 calories and no sugar or carbohydrates (it is not fried or marinated). If you are on a weight loss plan or want to adopt healthier eating measures, turkey meat is indeed lower in calories than ordinary chicken, so it can be regarded as a preferred source of meat in your life.
3. Healthy alternatives to red meat.
“Harvard Health Publishing” stated that in the past, academic circles have pointed out that red meat (such as beef, sheep, pork) is related to the occurrence of heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes; the health risks caused by eating processed meat are higher than those of red meat. The meat is bigger. Turkey has high nutritional value and can be enjoyed with fish, eggs, nuts and other foods in daily life. It can partially replace the benefits of red meat and avoid the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
4. Rich in vitamin B complex.
“Science Direct” research points out that turkey contains a variety of vitamin B nutrients needed by the human body, such as vitamin B3, which helps provide an energy source for the normal operation of cells; vitamin B6 produces neurotransmitters and amino acids; vitamin B12 is beneficial to Produce red blood cells and restore damaged nerves.
5. Rich in multiple minerals.
Guidelines published by the American medical media “WebMD” indicate that turkey meat is rich in zinc, phosphorus and selenium. Zinc helps protein synthesis, gene expression and promotes enzyme reactions; phosphorus can improve bone health. In addition, selenium helps regulate metabolism and promote thyroid hormone secretion. Turkey meat also contains small amounts of potassium and magnesium, both of which are relatively beneficial minerals to the human body.
6. Rich in tryptophan.
Tryptophan is an “essential amino acid” and the raw material of the happy hormone “serotonin”. It plays a vital role in regulating sleep, helping the body relax, and slowing down nerve activity. Turkey is rich in tryptophan, and eating it with vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains can help your muscles absorb more tryptophan and help produce serotonin needed by your brain.
7. Prevent anemia.
“Sage Journals” research indicates that turkey is rich in “heme iron” (Heme Iron), a precursor of heme. This substance helps prevent iron deficiency in the body and is easier to absorb during the body’s digestion process. Blood matrix iron can interact with vitamin B complex to help the body form red blood cells and prevent blood cell deficiency, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms caused by anemia.
8. Prevent colonic diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis refers to the phenomenon where feces falls into diverticula of the large intestine and forms “bezoars”, causing intestinal infection and further inflammation. A study published in “Gut”, a subsidiary publication of the “British Medical Journal” (BMJ), pointed out that replacing a portion of red meat in the subjects’ diet with poultry such as fish or turkey reduced the risk of colorectal diverticulitis by about 20%. . So adding more turkey to your diet may help your gastrointestinal health.
Although turkey has many health benefits, it is still recommended to eat it in moderation. In addition, a balanced diet is an important measure to maintain good health. Do not prefer any single dietary habit. If any of the above diseases occur, eating turkey or other foods cannot replace any treatment. It is recommended to seek medical treatment immediately to avoid worsening of symptoms.
Source:
Turkey: a healthy base of holiday meals
Turkeys Require Vitamin B12 and Choline
Further reading:
