Living Healthy in Arizona: The Health Benefits of Turkey

transformyou is committed to helping you live your best life. Let us help you reach your weight loss goals and maintain the well-being you've always desired. In honor of Thanksgiving, today's Living Healthy in Arizona feature is on the health benefits of turkey and the healthiest ways to cook, store and prepare it.

Turkey

Availability: Year-Round
Refrigerate: Yes
Shelf life: 5-7 days refrigerated
Preparation: Minimal
Healthiest way to cook: Roasting

Why Turkey?
Protein, protein and more protein. Once consumed, the amino acids found in proteins are used in the body for functions including the production of structural proteins, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Protein, when consumed in the right form without all the "extras", allows are body to burn fat while building muscle. The fat from turkey can be easily removed making it one of the leanest sources of protein with about half the saturated fat found in red meat. Turkey also promotes heart health and because of the B6 vitamins it contains, energy production. Turkey is also a concentrated source of tryptophan, a sleep promoting amino acid.

Selecting Turkey
The most flavorful turkeys are ones with a solid, plump shape. The skin color of the turkey doesn't have an effect on the flavor or nutritional value. If possible, select a turkey that is organic or "free-range." These turkeys seem to be more flavorful and have more of a nutritional value.

Preparing Turkey
Defrost your turkey in the refrigerator with a plate under it to catch all the liquid as it defrosts. When handling raw turkey, be extremely careful as to what other foods or items the turkey comes in contact with. Raw turkey can contain Salmonella bacteria and this bacteria may transfer to other surfaces.

Healthy Recipe for Turkey - Roasted Turkey

Ingredients

1 - 12-15 lbs, Turkey

3 TBS lemon juice

Salt and Pepper

Directions

1. Rub lemon juice and salt on the outside of the Turkey. Lift skin where possible and rub seasonings directly on meat as well.

2. Place turkey breast side down in a shallow roasting pan and place in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven.

3. Roast 15 minutes for each pound of turkey in this manner.

4. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and turn the turkey over and continue roasting for 30-60 additional minutes.

When the turkey is done it should have an internal temperature of about 165 degrees Fahrenheit with the thermometer inserted in the mid-thigh. Move to serving platter and let sit 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to settle and redistribute, and the meat to become moist.

transformyou was established on the belief that everyone has a right to look and feel their best. Dr. Bird and his staff not only treat patients, they educate them on their options, all the while providing the resources needed to see success in medical weight loss AZ, phoenix hormone therapy, Arizona testosterone replacement, az alternative medicines, hcg diet tempe az, arizona weight loss, az food allergy testing, az personal training, estrogen replacement therapy, or improving general health, mood or lifestyle. Dr. Bird is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a member of the American Academy of Pain Management. He has medical training in manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and in Prolotherapy from the Hackett Hemwall Foundation. Read more about Dr. Bird and the services provided at transformyou here.