Turkey necks, often overlooked or discarded, are a surprisingly nutritious and versatile part of the turkey. While they may not be the leanest cut, their nutritional profile offers a variety of benefits, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Nutritional Value of Turkey Necks:
- Low in Calories: A single turkey neck contains approximately 150 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option compared to other cuts of poultry. This makes them a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- High in Protein: Turkey necks are an excellent source of protein, providing around 25 grams per 100-gram serving. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, promoting satiety, and supporting overall health.
- Low in Fat: While turkey necks do contain some fat, it is primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, considered “healthy fats” that can benefit heart health. The total fat content in a 100-gram serving is around 8 grams, with only 2.5 grams of saturated fat.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey necks are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including immune system support, energy production, and cell growth.
- Good Source of Collagen: Turkey necks are rich in collagen, a protein that provides structure and support to skin, bones, and connective tissues. Consuming collagen may offer benefits for skin health, joint health, and overall tissue repair.
Are Turkey Necks Fattening?
While turkey necks are not particularly high in fat it’s important to consider portion size and overall dietary context. Consuming large quantities of any food, regardless of its nutritional profile can contribute to weight gain. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy turkey necks in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Tips for Incorporating Turkey Necks into Your Diet:
- Slow Cooker Recipes: Turkey necks are ideal for slow cooker recipes, where they can be simmered in broth or other liquids to create flavorful and tender dishes.
- Soups and Stews: Add turkey necks to soups and stews for extra protein and richness. The collagen in turkey necks will help thicken the broth and add a velvety texture.
- Ground Turkey Neck: Grind cooked turkey necks to use in burgers, meatballs, or other ground meat recipes. This is a great way to add extra protein and flavor to your meals.
- Turkey Neck Gravy: Use the flavorful broth from cooking turkey necks to make a delicious gravy for your Thanksgiving feast or other poultry dishes.
Turkey necks are a nutritious and versatile part of the turkey that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. While they are not the leanest cut, their low-calorie content, high protein content, and rich nutrient profile make them a valuable addition to your meals. By incorporating turkey necks into your diet in moderation and using creative cooking techniques, you can enjoy their flavor and nutritional benefits without compromising your health goals.
Profile of Protein in Item Recommended Protein Powder Shop for high-quality whey protein supplements at Transparent Labs. Shop Whey Protein Purchases made through this affiliate link support Prospre. Essential Amino Acids
Essential amino acids are critical for building protein. For more information, see the Wikipedia page about them.
Protein Quality Score: 100% †
Limiting Amino Acid: Valine
- Meats, dairy products, soy products, beans, and legumes are a few foods high in valine.
† – Not adjusted for digestibility. For more information, see the protein digestibility tables.
100g of Turkey Neck contains 16. 5g of protein, which is about the same as 2. 8 eggs, 0. 6 chicken breasts, or 1. 2 cups (321g) of black beans.
Detailed Nutrient Information Vitamin C
- 1 oz (28.3 g)
- 1 lb (454 g)
- Good source of Vitamin B12
- Good source of Selenium
‡ – As defined by Health Canada guidelines.
Nutrition Facts Source: USDA
Summary:
- Very High Protein
- Moderate Fat
- Zero Carbs
Foods with similar macro profiles:
7 Health Benefits Of Eating Turkey
FAQ
Is turkey neck healthy to eat?
How many calories are in a turkey neck?
Is turkey necks bad for high cholesterol?
Are turkey necks fattening for dogs?
Can weight loss cause hanging turkey neck fat?
Those with turkey neck fat find it unattractive and can feel self-conscious having one. And just losing more weight isn’t the answer… it can make the saggy neck skin look even worse! Weight loss can ironically cause hanging turkey neck fat to begin with. This is especially true if you have been yo-yo dieting and gaining weight over the years.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Is turkey neck meat good for You?
Much like other poultry, turkey neck meat is also a good source of protein and micronutrients. Turkey delivers a range of several B vitamins, including B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), which are crucial for energy metabolism and the health of the nervous system.
What is ‘Turkey Neck’?
“What’s known as ‘turkey neck’ is a problem with your neck’s skin, fat or underlying muscle, or a combination of the three,” says plastic surgeon Martin Newman, MD. “It’s often a sign of aging, but younger people can experience it, too. There are many ways to address it, depending on the cause and what kind of results you want.”