Pass the Turkey Please!
Many of us will soon celebrate Thanksgiving, a joyous occasion often marked by the tradition of eating turkey. While it's commonly believed that the practice of serving turkey at Thanksgiving dates back to the Puritans who settled Plymouth Colony and shared a feast with Native Americans in 1621, historical evidence suggests that turkey may not have been the centerpiece of that first celebration. In fact, historians point out
that turkey gained prominence as the Thanksgiving dish in the 19th century, largely due to its frequent mention in the writings of authors and influential figures who popularized it
as the ideal main course for the holiday feast.
Nutritional Value
Turkey is a highly nutritious food that is low in fat and high in protein, thus it is a great option for those wanting to lower their carbohydrates or maintain a ketogenic diet. Moreover, it provides important B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), which support metabolism, red blood cell production, adrenal and nervous system health. It’s also a good source of selenium, an antioxidant that is vital for proper function of the thyroid gland.
Turkey Can Help Boost Serotonin
Eating turkey can help raise serotonin levels in the brain due to its high content of the
amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter
that plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall well-being, and tryptophan is
essential for the production of serotonin.
This is part of the reason why many of us feel like a nap after eating that
Thanksgiving bird, and when combined with a carb rich meal can cause insulin to be
released allowing tryptophan to become mor
e available to cross the blood brain barrier and increase the brain production of serotonin.
Conclusion
Turkey is one of the many bird varieties that offer excellent nutrition with low fat and carbohydrates. It’s truly a blessing from God, as making it a regular part of your diet not only delights the taste buds but also supports overall health and wellness. At CCC Health, we pray that all our patients and their families have a blessed Thanksgiving, while enjoying wonderful fellowship
and the nutritional benefits of the gobbler!
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