Turkey Vs Beef – Which is the Healthier Choice?
There are a number of benefits to eating turkey over beef. They include lower calories, a complete protein, and it has a good source of tryptophan and creatine. In addition, it is leaner.
It’s leaner
One of the more confusing aspects of the meat department is the ubiquity of fat. Not only is it hard to tell the difference between beef and thigh, but it’s hard to know how much protein you’re consuming. That is unless you know where to look. So how does one go about finding the best cuts of beef? It’s a question of personal preference and taste, but you may find yourself in the dark. Thankfully, a little research will net you the answers to a few more questions than you had to ask.
You can’t rely on the USDA to steer you to the best cuts of beef, but there are a few tips and tricks in the form of recommendations that should keep you from a hiccup. For example, you might want to steer clear of the ribs, if possible. Or you can opt to go for the leaner cuts.
It’s lower in calories
One of the best things about turkey is that it is lower in calories than beef. This may be helpful for those trying to lose weight. However, you should be careful when comparing different types of meat. Some varieties of beef have more saturated fat than others, so make sure you know the calorie content of the food you are considering.
Turkey is also higher in protein than beef. Increasing your daily protein intake is a good way to feel full longer. If you want to try a turkey burger, choose a lean, low-fat version.
Ground turkey has a similar number of calories to beef, though a beef patty contains fewer grams of saturated fat. A fat-free ground turkey patty contains fewer calories and less sodium than a regular one.
Turkey is known for its low glycemic index, which means it won’t raise your blood sugar levels. If you are on a restricted calorie diet, a turkey burger may be a good choice.
Compared to other cuts of meat, turkey is lower in cholesterol. It has 109 mg of cholesterol in a 100-gram serving. Compared to beef, it is lower in total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat.
The most important thing to remember when comparing these two types of meat is the amount of protein. Both are rich in B vitamins. Beef is also higher in iron.
If you have heart disease or high cholesterol, you may find it beneficial to use ground turkey instead of beef. Since turkey is lower in calories, you might not need as much.
The nutritional information for both types of meat is listed by protein and by fat. The vitamin and mineral summary scores are also frequently compared.
It’s a good source of tryptophan
Tryptophan is a substance that your body uses to make melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It helps you get a good night’s rest. You can buy supplements to support your level of tryptophan, but you can also boost your levels naturally.
Tryptophan is one of the nine essential amino acids that the body must get from food. The best foods for tryptophan are those with protein.
Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that stabilizes your mood and promotes healthy sleep. So, it makes sense that your appetite and emotions are affected by how much of it you eat. But there are other factors at play.
Turkey is a great source of tryptophan, but it doesn’t necessarily cause the Thanksgiving nap. Instead, your diet might be causing your sleepiness.
If you’re looking for a turkey alternative, consider lean chicken breast. This protein-rich meat is low in fat and carbs. And it’s high in B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.
Another great source of tryptophan is peanut butter. Two tablespoons of it contain 74 mg. Tryptophan is also found in seeds. Peanuts, pumpkin, and squash seeds are all rich in tryptophan.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be happy to know that tofu is a good source of tryptophan. Tofu is also packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it contains calcium and B-vitamins.
Tryptophan is important for your body’s energy metabolism and DNA production. Because of that, it’s important to maintain your intake of this nutrient throughout the holiday season.
One way to fight off Thanksgiving sleep problems is to plan your meals ahead of time. Choose smaller portions and eat healthy snacks to control your hunger.
It’s a good source of creatine
Among the most popular dietary supplements in the world, creatine is one of the best. It is a powerful performance enhancer that helps build lean muscle faster and improves endurance.
This compound can be found in meat, as well as in some vegetables. However, the amount of creatine in meat varies greatly. The highest content of creatine is in beef. Other food sources include fish and poultry.
Beef has a high concentration of creatine, and it also contains a lot of iron, calcium, zinc, and potassium. These nutrients help support your bone mineral density.
Depending on the type of beef you eat, you can get around one to two grams of creatine per pound. A 1.2-pound salmon has 4.5 grams of creatine.
Creatine is produced by the body, primarily from glycine and arginine. When it is consumed, it helps the body recycle ATP, which is the body’s basic energy currency.
Some studies have shown that creatine improves performance during short-term sprints, although it is not effective in long-distance running. In addition, it is thought that creatine may increase bone density.
For vegetarians, creatine supplementation is a good way to boost physical performance. Vegetarians who take creatine supplements also report improvements in cognition.
Researchers have conducted studies on a variety of forms of creatine. While some studies show that the buffered form is more potent, a recent study directly compared the buffered and monohydrate forms and found no difference.
In addition to its benefits during exercise, creatine can also help protect the body from neuromuscular diseases and cancer. A recent study has shown that it can also be helpful in maintaining cognitive function.
Creatine can be purchased in most grocery stores. But it is important to remember that creatine supplements should not be taken by all teens. They should only be taken by those who are active and healthy. If you are a teen and plan to start taking supplemental creatine, talk to your physician first.
It’s a complete protein
While beef is a popular choice for a meal, turkey can also be a delicious addition to the table. However, you may wonder which is the healthier choice between the two.
Both meats are a complete source of protein, but they do have some differences in terms of calorie content, fat and vitamins. If you’re looking to cut down on the saturated fats found in red meat, ground turkey may be a better choice for you.
Aside from protein, turkey offers several other health benefits. It is a great source of magnesium, linoleic acid and potassium. These vitamins are critical to the maintenance of healthy blood cells. Likewise, turkey is a great source of vitamin B12, heme iron and folate.
Turkey is a great source of the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is necessary for regulating sleep. But the real star is turkey’s Vitamin B12, which helps the body produce red blood cells. Lastly, turkey is a good source of selenium, which promotes good health.
While there are plenty of healthy food sources of protein, only a few of them are truly complete. Among these are meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dairy.
In comparing the relative merits of turkey vs beef, it’s important to consider the protein to fat ratio, which is key to the effectiveness of both foods. On average, you can find a beef serving with over 45 fewer calories than a turkey serving.
While ground turkey is healthier than beef, it is still a red meat and should be avoided by those who are following a low-fat diet. Fortunately, ground turkey is available in 99% fat-free forms.
As you can see, the nutritional value of turkey and beef varies depending on the cut of meat, the preparation, and the age of the animal. If you’re unsure which is the better option, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor.