Why Turkey’s Great

Turkey is one of those tasty meats, positively good for the whole family containing essential nutrients! It’s also very versatile and great value for money. It’s one of the healthiest meats you can buy, low in fat and calories yet high in protein, an ideal addition to any healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.

Turkey breast meat is especially low in fat and high in protein which is why its so good for us. It is particularly low in saturated fat with less than 1g of saturated fat per 100g portion. In comparison beef has 6g of saturated fat per 100g and lamb has a whopping 9g of saturated fat per 100g. It is also lower in calories per portion (100g) compared with other meats.

Men and women are advised to eat only 20g of saturated fat in total per day, as part of a healthy balanced diet. We should try not to eat too much saturated fat as it can lead to higher levels of blood cholesterol which can then increase the risk of heart disease.

Turkey meat is HIGH IN PROTEIN which is essential for maintaining a HEALTHY BODY, as it contributes to the on-going maintenance and repair of muscle growth and bones.

A 100g portion of cooked Turkey breast meat contains 28g of protein, this is over half of an adult’s recommended daily allowance! The average man and woman is advised to eat around 50g of protein a day, so eating turkey meat can really boost your daily intake.


What is Protein?

Protein is present in all cells and tissues throughout the body it adds to the ongoing upkeep and repair of muscle growth and bones.

Why is protein so important?

When we work out or exercise a lot, our muscles can sometimes ache afterwards. This is a sign that we have caused our muscular fibres to break and tear very slightly. The soreness you feel is the process of the body recovering and building muscles to help our stamina and strength. Protein in greater amounts and more regularly helps your muscles to repair and grow in this way, which is why people who work out a lot eat a lot of protein.

Eating turkey can be very beneficial before sports, as a snack or afterwards for dinner, as protein-rich foods contribute to growth and maintenance of your muscle mass.

TURKEY MEAT IS a source of key minerals and nutrients for health such as, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Selenium, Phosphorus


About the vitamins and minerals

  • Niacin is a B-vitamin and is important for a healthy nervous system and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
  • Just one 100g cooked portion of turkey breast meat will meet half the daily niacin requirement of an average man or woman, or over one quarter from a portion of cooked turkey thigh meat.
  • Selenium helps to maintain healthy hair, nails and a normal immune function – the body’s natural defence system against disease.
  • A 100g (4oz) portion of turkey meat supplies 1/5 of our recommended selenium intake.
  • Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to help maintain healthy bones and teeth. Your body needs the right amount of both to be at its best.
  • A 100g (4oz) portion of turkey delivers over 1/3 of our recommended intake of phosphorus.
  • Vitamin B6 helps to create normal red blood cells and helps the body make the hormones which influence mood and regulate the body clock.
  • A 100g portion of cooked turkey breast meat can provide an average man or women with over a quarter of the recommended daily intake required of vitamin B6
  • Turkey is a versatile meat with great texture which is why it absorbs flavours so well in cooking. It is available whole birds ideal for roasts, and a variety of fresh and frozen cuts such as steak, mince, strips and diced, all perfect for both hot and cold meals, such as stir fries, curries, pasta and salad dishes. Don’t forget the darker leg and thigh meat is great for pies and casseroles.