Turkey Health Benefits

Turkey Health Benefits

Turkey has become a favorite of those on low-fat diets, along with chicken. Recent studies have shown that cooking poultry with the skin on seals in the natural juices and the fat from the skin does not seep into the meat. So, dieters can avoid dried-out skinless cuts and just remove the skin before consuming.

Turkey is naturally low in fat without the skin, containing only 1 gram of fat per ounce of flesh. A 5-ounce serving provides almost half of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid, and is a good source of vitamins B, B₁,B₆, zinc and potassium. These nutrients have been found to keep blood cholesterol down, protect against birth defects, cancer and heart disease, aid in nerve function and growth, boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure, and assist in healing processes.

For those watching their fat intake, stick to white turkey meat. Bake, broil, or sauté in as little oil as possible, using broth, lemon, or orange juice as a basting sauce.

More About Thanksgiving Turkey

• Thanksgiving and Turkey History
• Turkey Selection and Storage
• Turkey and Food Safety
• Turkey Health Benefits
• Turkey and Holiday Hotlines
• Turkey Recipes
• Turkey Leftovers Recipes
_{Roast Turkey Recipe Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Cookbooks

•	Betty Crocker Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
•	Historical Thanksgiving Cookery
•	The Thanksgiving Table
•	Thanksgiving - Williams-Sonoma
•	More Cookbooks