What Are The Differences Between Turkey And Chicken?

Both turkey and chicken are healthy foods you can include in your diet. In fact, specialists recommend that you eat both to improve your overall health, regardless of age. The differences between turkey and chicken are small, but there is still a difference.

We consider both of these types of meat to be white meat. These have a better reputation than red meat, which is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases when we eat large amounts of them. Furthermore, we should try to avoid what is processed by the industry, as they may contain dangerous additives that affect our metabolism.

The differences between turkey and chicken meat: Chicken meat

This food stands out for its high protein content. Studies have shown that these nutrients are indispensable and essential for ensuring adequate muscle health. These substances are characterized by their high biological value because they contain all the essential amino acids and are quite easy to digest.

Furthermore, chicken meat has a low percentage of fat. It is true that the lipid content consists of the saturated type, but they do not pose a threat to health. From a scientific point of view, the consumption of saturated fatty acids has varied greatly in recent years, as shown in a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

On the other hand, we must not forget that this food also stands out for the content of group B vitamins. These micronutrients are essential for the body and play a key role in a number of metabolic reactions related to obtaining energy. For example, vitamin B12 is a substance that is essential for the prevention of anemia.

The differences between turkey and chicken: Turkey meat

Turkey meat also contains proteins of high biological value in the composition. The difference between the two foods regarding this nutrient is barely clear. The only thing you can specify is that you should vary the amount you eat of this type of protein depending on which part of the animal you eat.

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. In addition, cholesterol levels in particular are lower.

Despite all this, this has no serious health implications. The saturated lipids are not considered harmful as long as they are cis- fatty acids not trans .

Finally, it is appropriate to mention that turkey meat contains a higher level of calcium than chicken, almost triple. These data are interesting when planning a diet with a view to preventing skeletal disorders. There is evidence confirming that regular intake of calcium reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

The preparation of the meat means something

When cooking chicken or turkey, you need to keep certain considerations in mind. The first is that the preferred method of cooking is by grilling, in the oven or boiling in water. In this way, the fatty acids are not altered, which ensures that it is healthy.

You should avoid frying these foods, as well as covering them with butter. Then you can generate components that are harmful and even toxic to human health, such as trans fats and acrylamides. Both substances can cause systemic inflammation and affect organs, tissues and cells.

On the other hand, the best way to eat meat is with vegetables. In this way, you ensure an adequate source of micronutrients and antioxidants.

If you also want to introduce carbohydrates to your meal, the best options are tubers and whole grain rice. It is important to avoid pasta and bread as much as possible, as the high glycemic index can be detrimental to metabolism. This applies to sugar in general.

Turkey and chicken: Two healthy foods

You can include both turkey and chicken in a healthy diet. It should be included regularly, and be one of the preferred sources of high biological value proteins. Furthermore, it is also a good alternative to consume white meat over red.

Overall, the cooking method will affect the final result of these products, and there are hardly any significant differences between them. The optimal way to prepare them is on the grill or in the oven, but it is also possible to cook them. In this way, the fatty acids remain healthy.

Do not forget that the basis of a healthy diet is variety. It is also a good idea to alternate these products with other foods high in protein, such as eggs, fish and dairy products.