While enjoying your Thanksgiving meal, you can give even more thanks for the bird you’re eating. Turkey has several health benefits that can keep your body and mouth strong all year round.
Less Fat
The fatty skin on turkey can easily be removed, making the meat a healthy entree. Skinless turkey contains about one gram of fat per ounce of flesh. That’s less fat and fewer calories than any other meat! The healthiest cuts are the white meat (ie: breast), not the dark (ie: wings).
Nutrients
Turkey is an excellent source of protein. There are about 32 grams of protein in a four-ounce serving of turkey, providing 65 percent of the recommended daily intake. This perfect poultry also contains arginine, an amino acid that helps make even more protein. In addition, turkey is a good source of iron, B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. The nutrients in turkey can help lower your cholesterol, as well. Turkey also scores low on the glycemic index scale, so it aids in regulating blood sugar.
Protection
High intake of red meats (beef) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. White meats, like turkey, don’t contribute to these health problems. Turkey contains selenium, which helps the thyroid and immune system function properly, and helps clear cancer-causing free radicals in the body. In other words, turkey can help prevent cancer.
After eating, make sure you brush and floss to remove food debris lingering in your mouth. Although turkey and your other dinner dishes can be good for you, you should visit Dr. Locke to make sure your Thanksgiving meal doesn’t wreak havoc on your smile. Contact our dental office in Waco, Texas at (254) 776-4888 to schedule an appointment.