We’re nearing the end of our Super Foods series, and this week’s spotlight is on the only meat on the list, turkey. Do remember that lots of meats are healthy, and don’t believe everything you read about saturated fats being bad for you. That being said, turkey’s nutritional profile is pretty stellar, and I sure love it on sandwiches, so here goes!
Photo by Hoomant
I’m just going to condense the nutritional information from World’s Healthiest Foods for you, to give a little inspiration to go get some turkey!
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey:
- SUPER high in protein (over 50% DV in a 4 oz. serving!) This becomes especially important in pregnancy when your body needs walloping amounts of protein to build a baby.
- Also a lower fat meat, especially in relation to the protein provided, if that’s important to you.
- The best source of tryptophan and a super great source of selenium.
- High in Vitamins B3 and B6.
Health Benefits of Turkey:
- Protein speaks for itself.
- Anti-cancer
- Energy production
- Optimizes blood sugar regulation
- Cardiovascular protection
One note: balance is key in all areas of life. Be sure that you’re not eating turkey, turkey, and more turkey to the exclusion of healthy red meats and eggs. Your body will thank you!
Ok, one more note: Turkey lunchmeat may not exactly count as a super food. The nitrates and/or nitrites used in curing meat are pegged as carcinogenic, and the farther from the bird you get, the less good stuff you’re going to get, so the processing of lunchmeat is…fishy. If you love your sandwiches, it’s actually more frugal to…follow my Frugal Tip on Friday!
I’m also excited to share a few of my ultimate favorite recipes this week to give you some ideas to include more turkey in your week!
- Sausage, Beans and Kale Soup
- Turkey Chili-Topped Turkey Burgers
- How to Make “Homemade” Turkey Sausage
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If you missed the last Monday Mission, click here.
Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God’s gifts of time, health, earth and money. If you feel called to such a mission, read more at Mission, Method, and Mary and Martha Moments.
Other Super Food Health Benefits:
- Chicken Stock/Broth
- Beans/Legumes
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Tomatoes
- Cruciferous Vegetables
- Garlic and Onions
- Peppers
- Super Fruits
- Monounsaturated Fats: Avocado, Peanut Butter and Olive Oil
- Omega-3s: Salmon and Flax
- Oatmeal and Sunflower Seeds
- Orange Veggies: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin
Turkey is such a good meat! I used ground turkey as a good first meat for my son. I made my own baby food, and turkey was so easy! I just browned some ground turkey in a bit of olive oil, and sprinkled some italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, and rosemary) in it. I then placed the cooked ground turkey in the food processor with some water and processed until smooth(er). My son loved it!
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