Turkey is a holiday staple in many parts of the world, but it can also be eaten throughout the year as a good source of protein.
Turkey is a holiday staple in many parts of the world, but it can also be eaten throughout the year as a good source of protein.
It’s among the healthiest sources of protein as it’s relatively low in fat (if visible fat /skin is removed) and is a good source of zinc, iron and B vitamins.
But how does turkey compare to other sources of protein? How lean is it, and does it matter which part of the turkey you eat?
There are 2 types of turkey meat — white or light meat (from the breast) and dark meat, which normally comes from the legs or thighs of the bird.
Each type varies in terms of the nutrients it provides.
White turkey meat typically contains less fat than red meats like beef or pork. For example, 100g of roasted turkey breast contains approximately half the amount of fat (2.1g) found in a 100g portion of roast beef (4.9g).
It also contains less fat than roast pork loin, tofu and roasted chicken breast.
But 100g of dark turkey meat contains about 5.6g of fat, so it may be best to stick with white (or breast) meat if you’re trying to
in your diet.Experts also warn that you have to be careful when buying ground turkey (or turkey mince). This is because ground turkey can be made with a mix of white and dark meats, skin and fat which means it can be higher in saturated fats.
Try to choose lean versions made from healthier cuts of meat. Saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease and
.Turkey skin contains a lot of
. In fact, leaving the fat on a 100g portion of turkey breast adds an extra 3.5g of fat to your meal. So it’s best to remove the skin if you can.The American Heart Association says that you should normally do this before cooking your meat. But if you’re roasting a whole turkey, it's fine to cook it as normal - so that it doesn't dry out — then remove the skin when you carve your meat.
A 100g serving of roasted white turkey meat provides about 28.8g of protein, while dark turkey meat provides about 26.9g per 100g).
To put this into perspective, 100g servings of:
The British Nutrition Foundation says that adult men should aim to eat approximately 56g of protein per day, while women should eat 45g per day.
This means that a 100g serving of white turkey meat provides more than half of your recommended daily intake, while containing much less fat than other meats.
Although protein is an important nutrient, eating too much can cause waste to build up in your blood - putting strain on your kidneys and worsening any pre-existing kidney problems.
To prevent this, experts recommend that you avoid consuming more than twice the recommended daily intake of protein.
Turkey also supplies a number of important vitamins and minerals — including zinc, selenium niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B12.
In fact, 100g of white turkey meat provides:
Zinc helps your body to make new cells and enzymes, and it’s also thought to help with the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in your food.
Selenium is important because it helps to keep your immune system working properly, and prevents damage to cells and tissues, while B vitamins help your body to release energy from food.
White turkey meat (from the breast) contains less fat and slightly more protein than dark turkey meat. But dark turkey meat contains more zinc, selenium and vitamin B12.
Here's a side-by-side comparison using data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Processed turkey meat is any form of turkey meat that’s been preserved using a process like salting, smoking, marinating or curing. Pre-cooked and packaged turkey slices are a good example.
These products often contain a lot of salt and other preservatives — including chemicals like potassium nitrate, which is thought to increase your risk of bowel cancer. Too much salt in your diet can also lead to high blood pressure.
It’s probably best to avoid processed meat if you can — sticking to fresh turkey instead.
Try to avoid frying meat whenever you can. Instead, try baking, grilling, roasting or adding your meat to a stir-fry.
If you do have to brown or fry meat, try to pour off the fat afterwards, and if you’re roasting a turkey for Christmas or Thanksgiving, try to put it on a metal rack above your roasting tin so that the fat in the meat can run off and collect in the bottom.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.