These gregarious and loving birds have been regarded as a Thanksgiving mainstay for centuries, even though historians are still not sure if turkey meat was served at the First Thanksgiving.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that nearly 224 million turkeys are killed each year. Of those about 45 million are killed for Thanksgiving meals, according to the National Turkey Federation.
Domestic turkeys, the ones you find in supermarkets for Thanksgiving, can live for up to 10 years. These oversized turkeys are not bred to live long-term; they are slaughtered at around five months old.
Domestic turkeys nowadays are bred specifically to yield more meat and to get so large that they are unable to carry out basic bodily functions like breathing and walking. These birds cannot even mate on their own and are forcibly artificially inseminated. Today, turkeys are twice the size of turkeys from less than one hundred years ago.
Turkeys endure immense suffering, physically and mentally, before ending up on a platter. They are stripped of their natural environments, treated poorly, and slaughtered in horrific ways.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food But before you gobble down that plate of turkey, you might want to consider the health implications of this holiday staple.
While turkey is often seen as a healthy option, the reality is that it’s not as good for you as you might think. In fact, there are several reasons why you might want to skip the turkey this Thanksgiving.
1. Turkeys are sentient beings with unique personalities.
Just like humans, turkeys have their own individual personalities and social bonds. They enjoy playing with objects, exploring their surroundings, and interacting with other turkeys. They even recognize each other by their unique calls.
Commercial turkeys, however, are denied the opportunity to live out their natural lives. They are crammed into overcrowded sheds, unable to spread their wings or engage in their natural behaviors. This confinement causes immense stress and suffering for these intelligent creatures.
2. Turkeys are raised in deplorable conditions.
In the wild, turkeys roam freely over vast territories foraging for food and building nests. But factory-farmed turkeys are confined to cramped dark sheds with little to no space to move around.
These conditions are not only inhumane but also unsanitary. The buildup of waste and lack of proper ventilation can lead to the spread of disease and infections.
3. Turkey meat is often contaminated with bacteria.
Due to the unsanitary conditions in which turkeys are raised, their meat is often contaminated with harmful bacteria. In fact, turkey meat recalls are not uncommon.
In 2019 alone, there were multiple recalls of turkey products due to salmonella contamination. These outbreaks resulted in hundreds of illnesses and even one death.
4. Turkeys are slaughtered in inhumane ways.
The slaughter of turkeys is a brutal process. Birds are often shackled by their ankles and run through an electrified water bath, which is supposed to render them unconscious before their throats are slit.
However, many turkeys are not properly stunned, meaning they are still conscious when they are killed. This is a horrific and unnecessary form of cruelty.
5. Turkey production contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics are routinely used in turkey production to prevent the spread of disease. However, this overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, posing a serious threat to human health.
6. Turkey meat is high in saturated fat.
While turkey is often seen as a lean protein source, it’s important to note that it contains a significant amount of saturated fat. Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
7. Turkey is a major source of foodborne illness.
Turkey is one of the most common sources of foodborne illness in the United States. Each year, millions of people get sick from eating contaminated turkey.
Foodborne illness can cause a range of symptoms, from mild stomach upset to severe dehydration and even death.
8. There are many delicious and healthy alternatives to turkey.
If you’re looking for a healthy and humane alternative to turkey this Thanksgiving, there are many delicious options available. Plant-based turkey alternatives, such as Tofurky and Gardein, are becoming increasingly popular and offer a great way to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without the guilt.
9. Eating turkey doesn’t align with ethical values.
For many people, eating turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition. However, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of consuming this bird.
Turkeys are sentient beings who deserve to be treated with respect. By choosing to eat turkey, you are supporting an industry that subjects these animals to immense suffering.
10. You can still enjoy Thanksgiving without eating turkey.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. But you don’t need to eat turkey to have a meaningful and enjoyable holiday.
There are many delicious plant-based dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. By choosing to skip the turkey, you can help to make Thanksgiving a more compassionate and sustainable holiday.
While turkey has long been a Thanksgiving tradition, it’s important to consider the health and ethical implications of consuming this bird. There are many delicious and humane alternatives available, so you can still enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without supporting an industry that subjects animals to suffering.
Health Risks of Eating Turkey
The use of antibiotics and the possibility of a pandemic outbreak are driven by the production of turkey, particularly in factory farms, where diseases like avian flu are still spreading. Humans may become infected with bacteria resistant to antibiotics if low-dose antibiotics are continuously given to birds in an effort to promote growth and reduce bacteria. When that happens, harmful bacteria that were once treatable can cause serious illness and even death. However, because the government does not gather information on the sales or use of antibiotics, and because the industry frequently withholds this information, it is challenging to determine the precise amount of antibiotics used in turkey production.
Turkey Meat Recalls
Turkey meat recalls are not uncommon, despite the excessive use of antibiotics by farmers. In March of 2019, the popular turkey producer Butterball recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products due to a salmonella outbreak. A few months prior, in December of 2018, turkey producer Jennie-O recalled approximately 164,210 pounds of raw ground turkey for the same reason. In November of 2018, just weeks before Thanksgiving, Jennie-O had recalled another 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products. Some 300,000 pounds of turkey products were also recalled for salmonella contamination in just four months from two major producers.
The November 2018 recall of Jennie-O turkey products resulted in one fatality, 133 hospitalizations and 358 individual cases of salmonella across 42 states. As antibiotic-resistant bacteria gets stronger, more human lives will be endangered.
Is turkey bacon healthier than the regular stuff?
FAQ
Are turkeys healthier than chicken?
What are the downsides of eating turkey?
Is turkey healthy yes or no?
Is turkey good or bad for weight loss?
Is Turkey good or bad for You?
Low GI foods like turkey can also help increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in your body. HDL cholesterol travels through the bloodstream and helps to remove “bad” LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can damage the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
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.
Are processed turkeys bad for You?
Processed turkey products can be high in sodium and harmful to health. Many processed meats are smoked or made with sodium nitrites. These combine with amines that are naturally present in the meat and form N-nitroso compounds, which are known carcinogens. Studies have shown that processed meats are linked to the development of cancer.
Are all turkey products healthy?
Turkey and other types of poultry are part of a healthy dietary pattern, according to federal dietary guidelines. But not all turkey products are created equal, Champagne said. Fans of turkey sausage, turkey bacon and other processed varieties need to check the labels.