Turkey and Chicken Meat: What are the Differences?

Turkey and Chicken Meat: What are the Differences?

Both turkey and chicken are healthy meats that you can make part of your diet. In fact, experts recommend that you consume both to improve your overall health, regardless of your age.

These meats have a better reputation than red meat, which is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases when we eat too much red meat. In addition, you should try to avoid industrially processed meat, as it may contain dangerous additives that affect metabolism.

Chicken meat

This meat is high in protein. Studies have shown that these nutrients are necessary to ensure proper muscle function. These substances are characterized by high biological value because they contain all essential amino acids and are quite easily digested.

In addition, chicken has a low-fat content. The content of lipids in it indeed consists of a rich species, but they do not pose any threat to health. From a scientific point of view, the consumption of saturated fatty acids has varied greatly in recent years, according to a study published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

On the other hand, we must not forget that chicken also contains many B vitamins. These trace elements are necessary for the body and play a key role in many metabolic reactions associated with energy production. For example, vitamin B12 is a substance that is fundamental to the prevention of anemia.

Turkey meat

Turkey meat also contains proteins with high biological value. The difference between these two types of meat in this regard is barely noticeable. The only thing is that, depending on the part of the animal you consume, the amount of protein you consume may vary.

However, there are significant differences in fat content. Turkey meat does not contain saturated lipids. In fact, the total amount of fat is lower than in chicken. Cholesterol levels are also noticeably lower.

Despite all this, there are no serious health consequences here. Saturated lipids are not considered harmful.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that turkey meat contains a higher level of calcium than chicken: almost three times more. These data are interesting for the diet to prevent skeletal diseases. There is evidence to suggest that regular calcium intake reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

Cooking meat is an important factor

There are some things to keep in mind when cooking chicken or turkey. The first is that the best way to cook it is to grill, bake or boil in water. Thus, fatty acids are not subject to change, which ensures that they are healthy.

You should avoid frying these meats, as well as covering them with batter. In these situations, you can produce harmful and even toxic components, such as trans-lipids and acrylamide. Both substances can cause systemic inflammation and affect organs, tissues and cells.

On the other hand, the best way to eat meat is to accompany it with vegetables. In this way, you provide a sufficient source of trace elements and antioxidants.

If you also want to include carbohydrates in your diet, the best options are tubers, legumes, and rice. It is important to avoid pasta and bread as much as possible, as their high glycemic index can impair sugar metabolism in general.

Turkey and chicken: two healthy types of meat

Both turkey and chicken can be in a healthy diet. They should be eaten regularly because they are one of the sources of protein with the high biological value we need. It is also good to eat white meat instead of red.

In general, cooking methods will affect the result of these foods, but there are almost no significant differences between them. The best way to cook them is on the grill or in the oven, but you can also boil them. In this way, fatty acids will have health benefits.

Remember that a healthy diet is based on variety, so it is important to alternate these types of meat with other high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, and dairy foods.

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