A single medium-sized turkey drumstick, with a yield of approximately 14 to 18 pounds after cooking and bone removal, contains about 445 calories. Depending on your dietary needs and goals, this information may be important to consider when choosing what foods to consume.

In addition to calories, turkey drumsticks also offer a range of nutrients that can benefit your overall health. These include protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and more. Understanding the nutrient composition of this food item can help you make informed decisions about how to incorporate it into your diet.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to mix up your menu, turkey drumsticks can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals. Read on to learn more about the caloric and nutrient content of this food item and how to make the most of it in your diet.

Caloric Content of Turkey Drumstick

As noted above, a single medium-sized turkey drumstick contains approximately 445 calories. This number may vary depending on factors such as the preparation method and the specific size and weight of the drumstick. If you're watching your calorie intake, it may be helpful to keep track of how much turkey you consume and factor it into your overall daily calorie limit. However, it's worth noting that turkey can be a relatively low-calorie source of protein compared to other meats.

Nutrient Composition of Turkey Drumstick

In addition to calories, turkey drumsticks contain a range of nutrients that can support your health and well-being. For example, a single drumstick can provide around 28 grams of protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle tissue. Turkey drumsticks also contain significant amounts of fat, which provides energy and helps your body absorb certain vitamins and minerals. Additionally, drumsticks are a good source of important minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for strong bones and teeth. By incorporating turkey drumsticks into your diet, you can enjoy a variety of essential nutrients that help keep your body functioning at its best.

Serving Size and Calorie Count

While a single turkey drumstick contains approximately 445 calories, it's important to consider the serving size when evaluating how many calories you're consuming. For example, a large serving of turkey that includes a whole drumstick may contain several hundred calories more than the drumstick alone. To keep your caloric intake in check, it may be helpful to weigh or measure your portion sizes and keep track of how many calories you consume from each food. This can help ensure that you're meeting your nutritional needs without going over your daily calorie limit.

Protein and Fat Content of Turkey Drumstick

As noted above, turkey drumsticks are a rich source of both protein and fat. A single drumstick can contain around 28 grams of protein and up to 18 grams of fat, depending on the preparation method. While it's important to consume an adequate amount of healthy fats in your diet, it's also important to avoid consuming too much saturated fat, which can be harmful to your health. To reduce your intake of saturated fat, consider removing the skin from your turkey drumsticks before cooking and choosing leaner preparation methods like grilling or baking rather than frying.

Calcium Content of Turkey Drumstick

In addition to protein and fat, turkey drumsticks are a good source of important minerals like calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in many other bodily functions. A single turkey drumstick can provide up to 53 milligrams of calcium, which is around 5% of the recommended daily intake for adults. While this may not seem like a significant amount, it can still contribute to your overall daily calcium needs, particularly if you're consuming other calcium-rich foods as part of your diet.

Phosphorus in Turkey Drumstick

Phosphorus is another important mineral that is found in turkey drumsticks. Like calcium, phosphorus plays a critical role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but it also has a range of other functions in the body. A single turkey drumstick can contain up to 260 milligrams of phosphorus, which is around 37% of the recommended daily intake for adults. By consuming turkey drumsticks as part of your diet, you can help ensure that you're getting enough of this essential nutrient.

Calories in Dark Meat Turkey Drumstick

Dark meat turkey drumsticks are a popular choice for many people, but they can also contain more calories and fat than other parts of the bird. For example, a single 3.5-ounce serving of roasted dark meat turkey drumstick contains around 240 calories and 14 grams of fat, compared to just 115 calories and 2 grams of fat in the same sized serving of turkey breast. If you're watching your calorie intake, it may be helpful to choose lighter portions of turkey or opt for leaner preparation methods like boiling or grilling.

Turkey Drumstick Nutrition Facts

To summarize, a single medium-sized turkey drumstick contains approximately 445 calories and provides a range of essential nutrients like protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. By incorporating turkey drumsticks into your diet, you can enjoy a healthy and tasty source of nutrition that supports your overall well-being.

Turkey Drumstick Carbohydrate Content

While turkey drumsticks are a good source of protein and fat, they do not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates. This can be beneficial for people who are following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, as it allows them to consume protein and fat without exceeding their daily carbohydrate limit. However, if you're looking to increase your carbohydrate intake, you may want to pair your turkey drumsticks with carbohydrate-rich side dishes like rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Turkey Drumstick Sodium Content

Like many processed foods and meats, turkey drumsticks can contain significant amounts of sodium. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney damage. To reduce your sodium intake, it's important to choose turkey drumsticks that are low in salt and to avoid adding additional salt during the cooking process. You can also look for other herbs and seasonings to add flavor to your turkey without adding excess salt.