Turkey

AMRROL · August 2016

Is turkey better than chicken in terms of health benefits?

littlechiaseed · August 2016

No

Christine_72 · August 2016

Both classified as poultry products, turkey breast and chicken breast have quite a few things in common. There are just a few subtle differences between the two. Therefore, it's often difficult to determine which is better. You may prefer the flavor of turkey breast over chicken breast, or vice versa.

Calorie Content

A 3-ounce portion of grilled chicken breast generally contains slightly more calories than turkey breast, but the difference is subtle. Each 3-ounce cooked portion of chicken breast provides about 130 calories, and the same portion of turkey breast contains just 125 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database. Grill or roast your turkey or chicken without the skin instead of frying it to keep the calorie content as low as possible.

Protein and Amino Acids

Chicken breast and turkey breast both provide you with about 26 grams of protein in each 3-ounce portion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Men need at least 56 grams of protein daily, women require a minimum of 46 grams, and pregnant and nursing women need 71 grams of protein each day, notes the Institute of Medicine. Both chicken and turkey breasts contain all of the essential amino acids your body requires on a daily basis -- including tryptophan, which is beneficial for healthy sleep and a stable mood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Carbohydrates, fat, Cholesterol, and Vitamins

Chicken and turkey breasts are again similar when it comes to carbohydrate, fat, cholesterol, and vitamin content. Both forms of poultry, as long as they are skinless and un-breaded, are carb free and low in fat. Turkey breast contains about 70 milligrams of cholesterol, and chicken breast provides just under 90 milligrams of cholesterol in each 3-once portion. Both chicken and turkey breasts are rich in niacin and vitamin B-6, with chicken containing slightly more of these two essential vitamins.

Flavor Preference, Texture, and Cost

Because turkey and chicken breasts are so similar nutritionally and interchangeable in recipes, it really comes down to flavor preference, texture and cost when deciding on one or the other. Chicken breasts generally taste slightly blander than turkey breasts, since turkey has a somewhat distinct flavor. Turkey breasts may have a firmer texture as well. The cost of chicken vs. turkey breasts is often comparable, but may vary from supermarket to supermarket and from year to year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/turkey-breast-vs-chicken-breast.html

Here's a side by side comparison

http://www.sparkpeople.com/food_vs_food.asp?food=5_23_chicken_versus_turkey

Troutsy · August 2016

I think it depends on what your defining "health benefits" as.

4 oz of chicken breast will get you:
124 calories
0 Carbs
1.4G Fat
26G protein

4oz of turkey breast gets you:
153 calories
0 carbs
0.8G fat
34G protein

Personally, I think it comes down to personal choice.

(numbers came from calorieking.com)

caradack1985 · August 2016

The only real benefit to Turkey is that 11 months of the year it is cheaper then chicken. Then Christmas hits and you'd think you were buying lobster for the price they start charging!

caslpierce · August 2016

Depends on your daily needs. I love ground turkey and spanish rice with peppers.

Turkey

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