Thursday, November 28

Thanksgiving: Why we should eat turkey more often

Turkey meat, known for its prominence in holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, should not be limited to these dates. This highly nutritious and versatile food is an ideal option to include in our regular diet throughout the year. according to nutrition experts from the European Medical Institute of Obesity (IMEO).

The turkey, a bird native to America, is much more than a festive symbol. Its meat, described as “noble” by specialists, offers an exceptional nutritional profile.. It is particularly rich in proteins of high biological value, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.

Being an animal source, it contains all the amino acids necessary for the body, both essential and non-essential, explains Inmaculada Luengo, IMEO clinical nutritionist.

turkey meat It stands out for its low fat content and minimal amount of carbohydrates, making it an ideal option for weight loss plans. In addition, its caloric intake is low: 100 grams of turkey meat contains approximately 118 kilocalories and 16.30 grams of protein.

According to Luengo, a minimum recommended serving of 150 grams would provide 177 kilocalories and 24.50 grams of protein, along with micronutrients such as sodium, vitamin A and niacin (B3).

Eating turkey not only promotes muscle health, but also helps prevent diseases. Healthy muscle mass, for example, reduces the risk of sarcopenia in older adults and improves recovery after serious pathologies such as cancer.

In addition, its low fat content makes it suitable for preventing coronary heart diseases. Being easily digestible, it is an excellent choice for people with digestive problems.

The IMEO also highlights the multiple ways to cook turkey to get the most out of its benefits. Rubén Bravo, nutrition and gastronomy expert, recommends thinking of turkey as an “improved chicken,” given its versatility in the kitchen.

For those looking to maintain traditions, stuffed turkey is a classic choice that can be adapted with healthy ingredients like pippin apples, onion, raisins and sweet potato, along with a homemade cranberry sauce.

Turkey and bird flu

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as avian influenza or H5N1, is a highly contagious and often fatal disease found primarily in poultry. corral.

The FDA emphasizes that the terms “highly pathogenic” (HPAI) refer to a serious impact on birds, not necessarily on humans.

In the case of turkey, consumers can safely enjoy it this holiday season as food safety inspectors examine turkeys for diseases “before and after slaughter.”

During a bird flu outbreak, “the likelihood that infected poultry or eggs will enter the food chain is low,” the FDA said on its website in April, “due to the rapid onset of symptoms in birds. poultry, as well as established safety measures, including poultry testing and federal inspection programs.”

The institution explains that when food is prepared and stored properly, the risk of consumers becoming infected with HPAI is further reduced.

Keep reading:

  • Women sleep less and wake up more than men: why
  • White mushrooms could prevent the progression of prostate cancer
  • Mold at home: when should we worry about our health