Enjoy the nutritional benefits of turkey this Thanksgiving

The calendar has flipped to November and it’s time to start thinking about the Thanksgiving meal. At the center of the feast will be a giant turkey. As we prepare to chow down on Thanksgiving, let’s look at why a second plate of turkey could be beneficial. 

Great source of lean protein

Every cell in our body is made up of proteins, which are building blocks for our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and nails. Protein plays a major role in enzyme and hormone production, which helps the body function properly. 

Maybe you just ran a personal best at the local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The protein in the turkey will help repair muscle tissues that broke down while you were pushing your body to the limit. 

Contains essential vitamins and minerals

Turkey is rich in B vitamins and selenium. The B vitamins are essential for energy production, while selenium plays a key role in thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium also acts as an antioxidant, which helps protect your cells from damage.

Can help boost your immune system and improve sleep

Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin supports immune function, mood and memory. Melatonin is produced by the brain and regulates sleep and circadian rhythms.

For more nutrition tips, visit the nutrition page on our blog.