Go Heart-Healthy With Turkey This February

All across Canada February is Heart Month, a time to discuss the importance of cardiovascular health—and one way to improve our wellbeing is incorporating more turkey in your diet!

The Heart & Stroke Foundation states that nine in ten Canadians are at risk for one factor of heart disease, and that almost 80% of premature heart diseases can be prevented through healthy behaviours. When it comes to other proteins like beef and pork, turkey is lower in fat—making it an ideal alternative for those who want to reduce their cholesterol: an unhealthy fat that increases the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

So join us for all of February as we go heart-healthy with turkey recipes that improve our overall wellbeing and cardiovascular health!

For a list of Heart & Stroke approved meal ideas with turkey, you can find a robust list of options on their website! But we’ve got a stellar lineup below of options to get you started this Heart Month!

GROUND TURKEY: COST EFFECTIVE AND LEAN

One of the most common turkey products we use, having ground turkey on hand in your kitchen is a great way to move away from other proteins like ground beef; although you can purchase extra-lean options, ground turkey still contains just over half the fat, making it a better choice for your heart.

You can easily pick up large quantities at your local grocery store or at your next Costco trip, making it a cheap and cost-effective ingredient to store in the freezer for last minute meal ideas on a Tuesday morning. Just as versatile as other ground meats, turkey’s low flavour profile makes it more easily accessible than pork for different seasonings and recipes.

TURKEY BREAST: LOW IN SODIUM

Sodium—commonly associated with salt—is a mineral most of us need to reduce; according to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, most Canadians consume two to three times more than the recommended amount! A high salt intake can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart diseases and strokes.

Thankfully, all fresh cuts of turkey, especially the breast, are low in sodium. So choosing more recipes that incorporate turkey breast is a great step to take when you’re investing in your cardiovascular health this month!

TURKEY SAUSAGE: EASY AND HIGH IN IRON

At your next grocery shop, consider stocking up on a selection of turkey sausages—a great product to keep on hand for those busy, hectic weeknights, especially since they’re full of iron. This mineral keeps your body’s cells working, helping boost resistance to infection; it also delivers oxygen to your muscles and brain, keeping you energized. When you have the drive, you spend more time outdoors or focusing on your overall health!

Plenty of BC-based turkey farmers provide an excellent selection of turkey sausages, including products that already come seasoned. In a pinch, you can easily de-case them as another source of ground turkey.