Many of you will soon be shopping for your holiday turkey. This lean, versatile protein offers year-round benefits, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Whether roasted, grilled, or added to soups and salads, turkey can help you meet your nutrition goals.

A Lean Source of Protein.

A 3-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast provides about 26 grams of high-quality protein with minimal fat. This makes it an excellent choice for building and maintaining muscle, supporting weight management, and staying full longer after meals.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals.

Turkey is rich in essential nutrients and vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, and B12, which help the body convert food into energy, support healthy nerves, and produce red blood cells. Turkey also provides selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral essential for immune function and thyroid health, zinc for wound healing, and phosphorus for strong bones.

Heart-Friendly and Low in Saturated Fat.

When eaten without the skin, turkey naturally contains less saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy choice compared to many red meats. Its high nutrient density also makes turkey a good fit for popular eating plans like the DASH or Mediterranean diet.

Supports Mood and Sleep.

Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid your body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, which are important for mood regulation and sleep. However, eating a typical serving of turkey will not make you drowsy.

Versatile and accessible.

From sandwiches and stir-fries to soups and salads, turkey easily adapts to various recipes. It’s also widely available and often more affordable than other lean proteins, such as fresh fish.

With its impressive nutrition profile, turkey is more than just a festive centerpiece for the holidays—it’s a wholesome, everyday choice for better health.