A smoked turkey is either flavored with a product called liquid smoke or placed in a smoker, an appliance similar to a grill that cooks and infuses a smoked flavor into the meat. The smoking method adds the benefit of preserving the turkey meat. A smoked turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Smoked turkey provides a variety of nutritional benefits.
Fat
Smoked turkey provides a flavorful protein source to the diet without adding the saturated fat that contributes harmful blood triglycerides to the body's cardiovascular system. The fat content in one thick smoked turkey slice is 2.1 g, or 3 percent of the 65 g daily value you should get each day. The saturated fat value is only 0.6 g.
Protein
The protein content in smoked turkey is nutritionally significant. A thick slice provides about 12.3 g, or 25 percent of the 50 g daily requirement. Including at least 30 percent of calories per day from protein sources is essential to sustaining energy levels between meals. Protein slows the bloodstream's absorption of carbohydrates, preventing spikes in blood glucose levels that interfere with normal energy metabolism.
Low Calories
The smoked turkey calorie contribution is minimal. A thick slice contains only 68 calories, or 3 percent of a standard 2,000-calorie diet. The nutrient contribution of turkey is significant in relation to its calorie content. Smoked turkey is an example of the concept that you don't have to sacrifice flavor when reducing calories.
Minerals
Smoked turkey is rich in essential minerals. A thick slice provides 89 mg of phosphorus, or 9 percent of the 1,000 mg daily value; 0.75 mg of iron, or 4 percent of the 18 mg daily requirement; and 1.3 mg of zinc, or 9 percent of the daily value. The minerals help build bones, transport oxygen throughout the body and help protect the immune system health, respectively.
References
- USDA; Nutrient Data Laboratory; Turkey, Light or Dark Meat, Smoked, Cooked, Skin and Bone Removed
- MayoClinic.com: What Does Percent Daily Value Mean on Food Labels?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; May 6, 2010
- University of Illinois Extension: Turkey for the Holidays
- Colorado State University Extension; Smoking Poultry Meat; B.F. Miller, et al; December 2006
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