Research shows that 293.3 million Americans will be eating turkey this year, and approximately 1.28 billion dollars will be spent buying a turkey for Thanksgiving of 2023.
Not only is this popular main dish tasty, it packs a nutritional punch that fuels the body with lean protein, and amino acids and is rich in minerals and vitamins like iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Fitness lovers all over look forward to this Holiday fit-food (especially post-workout) as the protein helps repair torn muscle fibers.
Thanksgiving may be thought of as one big cheat meal, however, turkey leftovers secure a solid protein source for the days to follow.
With that, it’s no secret that turkey is good for the body, however, there are some surprising health benefits this bird brings to the table that just might make you want to eat turkey all year long.
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<p class='slide-count'>1 of 5</p><img width="1109" height="614" src="/uploadfile/2024/1208/20241208162419680.jpg"><p class="photo-credit">Freeograph / Shutterstock</p>The Truth About Tryptophan
Turkey is rich in amino acid L-tryptophan, which produces sleep-promoting serotonin and melatonin. This only plays a minor role in making you sleepy on Thanksgiving—the real reason you can’t keep your eyes open for the game on TV is because of all the carb-heavy trimmings you ate with the turkey.
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Most Of The Fat Is In The Skin
Removing the turkey skin takes out much of the fat content (and probably a lot of the flavor). Harriette R. Mogul, MD, MPH, an associate professor of clinical medicine at New York Medical College told TIME magazine that the skin adds approximately 35 calories to the standard 3.5 –ounce serving.
Without the skin, turkey is low is saturated fats.
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High in Protein
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but turkey is very high in protein. These high levels in protein can help regulate insulin levels and actually combat fatigue.
Broken down into amino acids, the protein and abundance of B vitamins help repair cells throughout your body, aiding you and your muscles recover.
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Improves Eyesight
Turkey is often included as one of the top foods for your eyes due to being rich in zinc and the B-vitamin niacin, which helps prevent cataracts.
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Boosts Your Immune System
This benefit comes just in time for the approaching winter season. Turkey is high in selenium, a mineral that supports your immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant that promotes heart and thyroid health.
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