What are the benefits of turkey meat for the human body?

Let's figure out why it's usefulturkey and why it is included in a weight loss diet.

Chicken or turkey: which is healthier?

Chicken and turkey are dietary meats and at the same time help build muscle and lose weight. Let's compare the nutritional value of both types of meat.

Calorie content

Chicken with skin contains 211 kcal per 100 grams, turkey in the same volume contains about 144 kcal. Without skin, both types of meat are approximately equal in calorie content: 113 and 114 kcal, respectively.

In terms of fat content, skinless turkey breast is inferior to chicken breast: it contains 2.6 grams of fat, while turkey breast has only 0.7 grams. 

Cholesterol

To regulate weight and maintain healthy blood vessels, you need to monitor your cholesterol levels. In terms of cholesterol content, turkey and chicken are almost the same: 100 grams of chicken contains 64 mg, and turkey in the same volume contains 62 mg of cholesterol.

Selenium

Another beneficial component of turkey and chicken is selenium. It is involved in the functioning of the thyroid gland, disorders of which cause weight gain. Chicken in 100 grams of meat contains 58% of the daily intake of selenium, and turkey per 100 grams accounts for 44% of the daily intake.

What are the benefits of turkey meat ?

Turkey is very nutritious and is considered dietary meat: it is low in fat and high in protein. Eating turkey meat promotes a good mood. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce the “happiness hormone” serotonin.

Let's look at the main benefits of turkey.

Protein

Turkey is rich in animal protein, which is easily digestible. It supports immunity , is the basis of cells and tissues of the human body, and is part of muscles and bones.

Turkey - meat for weight loss

Turkey is included in the diet not only of those who are watching their weight, but also of people with heart problems, type II diabetes and high blood pressure. This product contains less fat compared to other meats, and at the same time satisfies hunger well. Thanks to turkey, it can replace pork and beef when you need to normalize your cholesterol levels.

Calories in white and dark meat turkey

The calorie content of meat depends on the part of the turkey carcass and the cooking method. White meat includes the breast (it has a minimum of muscle mass), and dark meat includes the drumstick and thigh, where there is a lot of muscle mass.

Calorie table

Boiled turkey contains on average 195 kcal per 100 grams, and fried turkey - 165 kcal.

Vitamins and minerals

Dark turkey meat contains more vitamins B2, B6 and B12 than white meat. Vitamin B2 increases hemoglobin and is involved in metabolism, B6 reduces the risk of dementia, and B12 reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Turkey liver contains a lot of vitamin A and B2. Turkey meat is also rich in minerals: iron, copper and zinc.

How to choose a turkey

What you need to pay attention to when buying meat so that turkey retains its beneficial properties.

Bird weight

Whole turkeys tend to be of better quality at farm stores than at supermarkets. In the latter, it is recommended to take frozen poultry rather than chilled one. On average, a turkey carcass weighs 4-7 kilograms. It is worth paying attention to this so that the bird is not too young or old; young meat is tastier and healthier.

Appearance

The turkey should have light skin, reddish or pink meat, and no bruising. Meat that shows strong dents and mucus should not be eaten.

Smell

Turkey meat should have a neutral odor. It may smell similar to fresh chicken. A stale carcass will have a pungent and unpleasant odor.

Conclusion

Turkey is a dietary meat, lower in calories than chicken, pork and beef . It is recommended for different categories of people - from diabetics to athletes. Turkey meat is low in cholesterol, fat, high in protein, vitamins and minerals. This meat is suitable for both the festive table and the everyday diet, the main thing is to consume it in moderation.