Turkey – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, August 18, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Turkey meat is among the most sought after poultry products. Like chicken meat, turkey meat is a highly preferred cold cut for sandwiches and may even serve as a substitute for ground beef. Turkey is most popularly consumed during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. According to the Medical News Today website, the U.S. is the largest producer of meat around the world, tipping at 2.5 million tons per year.

List of known nutrients

Turkey meat is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for body function. An entry posted on the Nutrition Value website enumerates the many important nutrients in turkey meat, which include:

Alanine
Arginine
Aspartic Acid
Calcium
Choline
Copper
Cystine
Folate
Glutamic Acid
Glycine
Hexadecanoic Acid
Histidine
Iron
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Magnesium
Manganese
Methionine
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Niacin
Octadecenoic Acid
Pantothenic Acid
Phenylalanine
Phosphorus
Phytosterols
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Potassium
Proline
Riboflavin
Saturated Fatty Acids
Selenium
Serine
Sodium
Thiamin
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for turkey

Turkey meat is commonly recommended by health experts to boost body building. The superfood is packed with protein and relatively small amounts of carbohydrates and fat. In fact, an article posted on the Diet Health Club website has shown that a four-ounce serving of turkey meat may provide as much as 30 grams of protein and only about 200 to 250 calories. The superfood’s high protein content also help prevent deficiency-related conditions such as poor pallor, lack of energy, and feelings of weakness as well as jitteriness or spaciness.

The rich protein content in turkey meat is also touted to induce healthy weight loss. The protein in turkey meat promotes satiety and slows down the digestive process, which in turn prolongs the feeling of fullness between meals. It is best to opt for low-fat, white meat or skinless turkey breasts when trying to lose weight. The rich abundant niacin supply in turkey meat is shown to increase good cholesterol levels while simultaneously reducing bad cholesterol in the blood stream.

In addition, turkey meat is valued for its beneficial effects on the brain and the nervous system. Turkey meat is an excellent source of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is known to produce both serotonin and melatonin that promotes relaxation. Likewise, the superfood contains high levels of vitamin B12 that reduce the levels of a harmful compound called homocysteine. The Brain Balance Achievement Centers website notes that homocysteine is associated with cognitive decline. Moreover, the superfood is shown to alleviate sleeping disorders such as insomnia.

Furthermore, turkey meat is notably high in other B vitamin compounds that improve the body’s metabolism and overall digestive profile. Likewise, the superfood is touted to relieve upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome. Aside from this, turkey meat is found to effectively regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of gout. Turkey meat is also known to possess anti-cancer potential.

Body systems supported by turkey

The high protein content in turkey meat is particularly beneficial to muscle growth and body building. Likewise, the superfood promotes a healthy digestive system and facilitates weight loss. The superfood is also touted for its beneficial effects on the heart and the brain.

Ways to use turkey

Turkey meat is a staple during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Having said that, Chatelaine.com has curated 11 turkey recipes that you can enjoy during the holidays.