5 Exciting Health Benefits of Turkey (2024)

Turkey is often considered a special occasion food, but incorporating it into your regular diet can offer a wide variety of health benefits. Not only is turkey delicious, lean, and easy to prepare, but it’s also an excellent source of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Take a look at these five amazing health benefits you can get from regularly eating turkey:

1. High Protein Content

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps keep you full for longer periods and provides energy throughout the day. It’s also low in fat and calories, which makes it a great option if you’re watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Turkey is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals important for your overall health. It contains vitamin B12, which helps support red blood cell formation, as well as zinc and iron, which help boost immunity. Turkey also provides a good dose of selenium, which has powerful antioxidant properties that help protect against disease.

3. Improves Heart Health

Research suggests that regularly eating turkey can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure levels in the body. This can lead to lower heart disease or stroke risk over time. Additionally, the lean protein content of turkey helps to promote muscle growth and repair, which can further improve heart health by improving circulation throughout the body.

4. Promotes Joint Health

Turkey is rich in amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamine, both of which are important for joint health and mobility. Regularly eating turkey can help support joint flexibility while reducing aches and pains associated with arthritis or other joint conditions over time.

5. Boosts Mental Health and Well-Being

Eating turkey regularly has been linked with improved mental well-being due to its high content of tryptophan – an amino acid that helps increase serotonin levels in the brain – leading to better sleep quality, improved focus, and concentration levels throughout the day, as well as reduced stress levels overall!

Ready to order some turkey?

Fresh Turkeys and More in Frederick County, Maryland

Find fresh, delicious turkey and other meats, cheeses, and more at Hillside Turkey Farms. Our family has been in the business in Thurmont, Maryland, since 1939 and proudly provides families with delicious, fresh turkeys all year round. Check out our weekly specials!

Place a pre-order for pick-up or delivery (we ship our foods across the continental United States) on our website, or give us a call at 301-271-2728 if you have any questions.

5 Exciting Health Benefits of Turkey (2024)

FAQs

What are the health benefits of turkey? ›

Turkey contains vitamins B1 and B2 but is especially rich in vitamins B3, B6, and B12. Increasing vitamin B levels through turkey intake may benefit those experiencing depression, migraine headaches, and skin lesions, as research has connected vitamins B3, B6, and B12 accordingly.

Is turkey healthy to eat every day? ›

Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin. Turkey is also an excellent source of selenium.

Why is turkey the healthiest meat? ›

Rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus and iron, turkey meat makes a useful inclusion to support thyroid function, immunity, bone health and energy production. The darker cuts of meat like the leg and thigh are richer in certain minerals, such as iron.

What are turkeys important for? ›

In addition to their social and economic value, turkeys exist as both predator and prey during their lifecycle, enhancing the biodiversity of ecosystems wherever they inhabit. As poults (young turkeys), turkeys consume various bugs and pests, and are prey for a variety of wildlife.

Is turkey really healthier than chicken? ›

Both turkey and chicken provide the same amount of protein per serving and offer a rich protein source. Turkey has fewer calories due to the low-fat content. This makes turkey a good option for people monitoring their calorie and fat intake closely.

Why is turkey a superfood? ›

Turkey is a popular meat that boasts high-quality protein, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. It may support various aspects of health, including muscle growth and maintenance, due to its rich supply of nutrients.

What is the healthiest way to eat turkey? ›

It also makes the meat saltier. If you're following a low-sodium diet, you'll want to pick another way to make your turkey. Best: Roasting. A fresh or thawed turkey slow-roasted in its own juices is the healthiest way to prepare a turkey.

Which is healthier, turkey or salmon? ›

Here's what they said, listed from healthiest to least healthy: Fish/seafood/shellfish: Wild Alaskan salmon, oysters and sardines are highest in healthy fats; white fish such as cod or flounder tend to be leaner. Turkey: White meat has slightly less saturated fat than dark.

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood.

What does turkey meat do to your body? ›

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

It contains vitamin B12, which helps support red blood cell formation, as well as zinc and iron, which help boost immunity. Turkey also provides a good dose of selenium, which has powerful antioxidant properties that help protect against disease.

Is turkey good for skin? ›

Turkey is, in fact, an excellent source of necessary nutrients for healthy skin. The remarkable thing about turkey is its high concentration of good proteins and zinc. Zinc is responsible for maintaining our body's natural collagen and elastin fibers which preserve skin firmness and elasticity.

What is more healthy than turkey? ›

Beef has more iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are nutrients that promote healthy blood, immunity, and nervous system health, than turkey.

Why is turkey so special? ›

So it is no wonder that Turkey boasts a rich culture and history. Turkey is known for being home to historical sites, delicious food, beautiful beaches and the famous Turkish baths. Keep reading to learn more facts about Turkey and what it has to offer.

Is turkey good for your heart? ›

Turkey is often touted as a heart-healthy alternative to other proteins, but the truth is not quite as simple as that. While a turkey burger is definitely better for you than a beef patty, how healthy it actually is depends on the lean-to-fat ratio.

Why should turkeys be eaten? ›

Turkey is also a terrific source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism. It also boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant.

Why is turkey good for your skin? ›

Turkey is, in fact, an excellent source of necessary nutrients for healthy skin. The remarkable thing about turkey is its high concentration of good proteins and zinc. Zinc is responsible for maintaining our body's natural collagen and elastin fibers which preserve skin firmness and elasticity.

Is turkey healthier than ham? ›

While it's higher in fat and cholesterol than ham, with about double the cholesterol, fresh turkey meat is richer in vitamins, protein, phosphorus, copper and magnesium. Ham provides more zinc, potassium and iron, but it typically has high sodium content.

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