The Advantages of Poultry

You can eat poultry to gain protein, minerals and tryptophan, an amino acid that supports healthful sleep. Poultry includes chicken, turkey, duck, goose, quail, pheasant and any farm-raised bird. Unfortunately, many farms pack birds into crowded, sometimes squalid conditions and rush them to market in less than 40 days after hatching. Purchase organic, free-range poultry to help reduce animal suffering while avoiding unnatural ingredients such as antibiotics and pesticides from chicken feed.

Protein

Poultry is an excellent source of protein, providing about 22 g in a 3 oz. serving. One 3 oz. serving is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. For a 2,000-calorie diet, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating about 5-1/2 oz. of protein, so one serving of poultry meets over half of your dietary protein needs. Serve poultry with the skin removed to reduce fat and calories.

Minerals

Chicken and turkey provide the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. Minerals help your immune system function and help metabolize protein and carbohydrates, according to registered dietitian Joan Salge Blake in the book "Nutrition and You." Phosphorous helps your body store energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat, for example. Additionally, the iron in poultry helps your brain function properly and prevents iron-deficiency anemia, a disorder resulting in diminished oxygen levels in your body and therefore exhaustion.

Tryptophan

Poultry is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that supports restful sleep and a balanced mood. According to the National Institutes of Health, your body uses tryptophan to produce niacin and serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to encourage healthy sleep and a stable mood. Your body does not produce tryptophan on its own, so you must consume it in your diet. Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, helps you metabolize food and supports skin cell health and digestive functioning.

Considerations

Eat poultry in moderation to gain health benefits without unpleasant side effects such as weight gain or exhaustion. Just because eating a little bit of chicken is good for you, does not mean that eating large amounts is even better. Your body needs a balance of nutrients to stay healthy. Eating too much poultry can cause deficiencies in grains, fruits and vegetables, which are necessary parts of a healthful diet.