Thanksgiving is a time of the year when most Americans celebrate a history of gratitude. It is a time where people gather with their family to be grateful for events and moments in their lives. This is usually done by cooking and sharing a meal together and the one staple that is never excluded from a traditional thanksgiving meal is a turkey. It is a major symbol of an American celebration and our giving of the bounties we are fortunate enough to enjoy. Dr. Judith Rodriguez, registered dietitian & chair of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida, has gathered and debunked myths and facts about this traditional holiday bird.
Myth: Turkey is indigenous to the country, Turkey.
Fact: Turkey game birds evolved over 11 million years ago and of the two wild species of turkey, one is indigenous to the areas from Canada to Mexico and the other is indigenous to the areas from the Yucatan to Guatemala. The Aztecs ate domesticated turkeys. They were found in the New World and taken back to Spain, from where they quickly spread throughout Europe and other regions. It was introduced to England in the 1500’s, then the Pilgrims brought it back to North America in the 1620’s on the Mayflower, not realizing it was the birds point of origin.
Myth: Eating turkey makes you sleepy.
Fact: Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid supplement that promotes sleep when taken alone (on an empty stomach). However, it contains many other amino acids that probably blunt the impact of tryptophan. If you have ingested a large meal, your sleepiness is more likely the result of blood being diverted from throughout the body, including the muscles and brain, to the stomach for digestion. Your sleepiness has less to do with what exact food you consumed and more that you consumed a larger amount of food.
Myth: The skin is all made up of bad saturated fat.
Fact: Turkey skin contains both saturated fat and cholesterol, which are known to worsen heart problems. Turkey skin also contains mono and polyunsaturated fats which can help reduce cancer and heart risks as well as well as improve insulin sensitivity. So, if you are tempted to have some turkey skin, it’s important that you limit it to a small piece and indulge in a small amount, along with some lean turkey meat to balance out the fat content.
Myth: Turkey should be thawed by covering it with a hot towel.
Fact: Covering a frozen turkey with a hot towel or leaving it on the counter to thaw is dangerous because it creates a temperature favorable for growing germs over the warm part of the turkey. Instead, thaw it in the refrigerator or use the cold-water method. However, the cold-water method is labor intensive and wastes water, a valuable resource. A 10-pound turkey will take about two days and 12 hours to thaw in a refrigerator and a 20-pound turkey about five days. Plan in advance, so you can enjoy a safe and delicious meal.
Myth: The USDA inspection sticker indicates that the bird is fresh and top grade.
Fact: The USDA inspection checks for wholesomeness and proper handling, so getting a bird that has a USDA sticker on it is a safe, healthy idea. However, USDA also provides voluntary grading services. About 70 percent of inspected turkeys are also graded. The grades are U.S. Grade A, B and C and represent the quality of the turkey, with grade A being the highest and best quality turkey.
Myth: Check a whole turkey for doneness by pricking the leg to check for bleeding.
Fact: Cook the whole turkey in an oven at 325 degrees. Turn the wings back, behind the neck to hold them in place to minimize burning of the legs. Insert an oven safe thermometer in the lower part of the thigh and be sure to avoid touching the bone. Or place a thermometer in the center of the stuffing. A temperature of 180 degrees in the thigh and 165 degrees in the breast or stuffing indicates doneness.
Dr. Judith Rodriguez, registered dietitian & chair of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida
References:
Thanksgiving 2023 – Tradition, Origins & Meaning | HISTORY
What Is Saturated Fat and Is It Unhealthy? (healthline.com)
Calories in Turkey Skin and Nutrition Facts (fatsecret.com)
What Are the Benefits of Monounsaturated Fats? (healthline.com)
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