Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

   Turkey is a very good source of protein. A four ounce serving provides 65.1 percent of the daily value for protein, along with 11.9 percent of the DV for saturated fat, about half the amount of saturated fat food in red meat. The structure of the human body is built on protein. We use animal and plant sources of protein for our amino acids and rearrange the nitrogen to make the pattern of amino acids we require.

    Turkey is also a good source of the trace mineral selenium. Selenium is of fundamental importance to human health. It is an essential component of several major metabolic pathways, including thryroid metabolism, antioxidant defense systems and immune function. Some studies have suggested a strong inverse correlation between selenium intake and cancer incidence.

    Turkey is a good source of another cancer-protective nutrient, vitamin B, niacin. Components of DNA require niacin and a deficiency of niacin has been directly linked to genetic (DNA) damage.

    B Vitamins for Energy and Cardiovascular Protection. Vitamin B6 is important for energy production, in addition to its DNA actions, niacin is essential for the conversion of the body's proteins, fats and carbohydrates into usable energy. Niacin helps optimize blood sugar regulation via its actions as a component of a molecule called glucose tolerance factor, which optimizes insulin activity.