Turkey is known for being a healthier choice of meat, as it has less fat on it overall than chicken or beef. You may not know that turkey also possesses the amino acid tyrosine, which helps the brain’s dopamine levels. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that regulates memory, and it is also necessary for boosting your mood. More importantly, turkey contains tryptophan (the ingredient that supposedly makes you sleepy), a necessary building block of serotonin. Many antidepressants work by increasing your ability to produce and absorb serotonin, so they act like turkey. It’s a natural antidepressant.

In addition to these mental health benefits, turkey is much lower in saturated fat than beef and pork. On an environmental level, raising turkeys produces fewer greenhouse gases than cows and pigs, so it is a more ethical meat choice. You may think of turkey as a special dish that you prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you can eat it all year long and enjoy its health benefits more than twice a year. Consider adding slices of turkey to your sandwiches instead to keep that brain active. If you struggle with depression, you may want to consider swapping out chicken for turkey regularly.