Dr Oz: Turkey VS Beef Patties + What’s Really In Turkey Burgers?

Dr Oz: Healthier Burger Options

It’s hard to imagine a successful backyard barbecue without burgers. If you’re trying to eat healthier, are turkey burgers really better for you than beef? Jenna Wolfe was sent to find out. In 1938, turkey burgers began appearing on restaurant menus in California, but, according to Jenna, they didn’t become “big time” until the 1970’s. Health-conscious consumers began turning to turkey burgers as a way to cut back on fat, particularly found in beef burgers.

Jenna visited a New York City butcher to learn how turkey burgers are made. She watched as turkey breasts and thighs are ground into patties, but learned that store-bought patties often have a lot more than just that in them. She spoke to a nutritionist who explained that turkey burgers are better in terms of calories because they’re about 200 calories for 4 ounces of turkey, as opposed to 240 for beef.

Beef has 2 more grams of protein than turkey and beef has a lot more omega 3’s than turkey. When it comes to saturated fat, a turkey burger has around 3.9 grams while a beef burger have 6.6 grams.

Dr Oz:

Jenna joined Dr Oz and explained that, in her opinion, it seems that if you want beef, as long as it’s in moderation, you’re fine to go ahead and have it. Jenna further explained that when you’re making your own turkey burgers, unlike beef where you can simply add salt and pepper, you have to add quite a few fillers to avoid a dry patty. A list of ingredients are added to turkey to make it taste more like beef, which adds to the calorie count.

Dr Oz explained that at chain restaurants, the typical beef burger is 500 calories and the turkey burger has even more calories. If you want to enjoy a turkey burger that’s actually good for you, there’s a few things you should try. First, avoid pre-seasoned frozen turkey burgers. Second, choose 90% lean white and third, choose pasture-raised turkey.

Some healthy ways to add flavor and nutrition to your turkey without extra carbs or calories include a granny smith apple, onions peppers, and hot sauce, or flaxseed. Go ahead and try all three for the ultimate turkey burger! As Dr Oz suggested, you may want to go ahead and skip the bun all-together as well.

Dr Oz: Are Veggie Burgers Better Than Beef Patties?

Dr Oz continued his investigation as he looked into veggie burgers, which claim to be full of vitamin-rich ingredients that taste delicious. Could they actually be packed with sugar, chemicals, and other unhealthy additives? Jenna first explained that many people will choose a veggie burger believing that they’re making a healthier, lighter choice. But it’s important to be able to separate the good from the bad.

When you walk into the supermarket, you’ll see dozens of meatless burgers, but Jenna was able to break it down into three categories: veggie-based burgers, soy-based burgers, and bean-based burgers. For a veggie-based burger, you may think you’re getting a bunch of veggies ground together into a patty, but thanks to fillers, you’re likely consuming nearly 20 grams of carbs. Look at the ingredient list and make sure the first three are vegetables. You also want to look for the USDA Organic label. If you’re left wanting more protein, Dr Oz suggested you add an egg on top as a good source of protein that keeps you fuller longer.

Dr Oz: Soy-Based & Bean Burgers

As for soy-based burgers, they have a similar texture to beef burgers, but you’re likely not getting actual soy beans. If you see soy isolate or soy protein concentrate, you’re not getting whole soy bean like you want.

Finally, bean-based burgers can be a great option because it has more fiber and protein than the veggie burger and doesn’t need fillers. Dr Oz makes bean-based burgers in his house with quinoa, black beans, diced veggies, egg whites, and olive oil.