4 Key Nutrients In Turkey

Turkey is a cheap and popular festive meat that is traditionally associated with Christmas but can be eaten all year round. It is also an extremely healthy choice. One serving of turkey provides you with high levels of certain key nutrients. In this article I will be discussing four of these key nutrients and how they contribute to the health benefits of turkey.

1) PROTEIN:- Turkey contains a massive 30 grams (g) of protein per 100g making it one of the top protein sources available. Protein is responsible for building, maintaining and repairing all the cells in your body. This means it is essential for proper growth and for keeping your bones, muscles, organs and tissues in full working order. Protein also helps your body produce important chemicals, controls certain bodily processes (such as fluid balance) and helps your blood to clot.

2) PHOSPHORUS:- 100g of turkey provides you with 224 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus which is around a third of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Phosphorus contributes to many of the health benefits of turkey. It works with calcium to produce strong bones and teeth, promotes healthy metabolism and helps the body create the genetic information carriers deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

3) SELENIUM:- A 100g serving of turkey contains 0.032mg of the powerful antioxidant selenium which is more than half the RDA. Phosphorus contributes to the protective health benefits of turkey. As an antioxidant it protects your body from free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen based reactions). Phosphorus also supports the immune system by assisting in the production of antibodies (organisms which help fight disease in the body) and prevents other health conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

4) ZINC:- Turkey contains 1.73mg of zinc per 100g which represents around a fifth of the RDA. Like selenium, zinc is an antioxidant which contributes to the protective health benefits of turkey and protects your body from damaging free radicals. Zinc also boosts your immune system, helps your wounds to heal, protects against prostate cancer and reduces stress levels within the body.

SUMMARY

Turkey is an extremely versatile meat that can go with almost anything. So next time you are making a curry, casserole or salad try adding some turkey. Not only will this will supply you with high levels of protein, phosphorus, selenium and zinc but it will also allow you to unlock all the health benefits of turkey that are associated with them.