'Turkey Makes You Sleepy' And More Thanksgiving Myths

How well do you know your turkey? As Thanksgiving nears, we thought it would be a good time to get to know your dinner. After all, cooking a turkey is sort of like going on a first date: the more you know, the easier it is to get through. And as the big bird needs a few days of prep and several hours of cooking, we figured it was time to get you two better acquainted. Plus, the fine specimen perched on your great-grandmother's serving platter has a knack for being the talk of the town. But don't worry, the beautiful bird on your Thanksgiving table is anything but boring.

Click here to see the Turkey Doesn't Make You Sleepy and 5 Other Myths About Turkey (Slideshow)

After years of serving turkey the same way, you're probably wondering what mystery or intrigue surrounds this traditional dinner. But like most traditions or hand-me-down cultural experiences, a lot gets lost in translation, from bird facts to cooking methods. And there is a lot that needs to be cleared up. For instance, was the turkey really almost the country's national bird? And does turkey really make you sleepy? 

We took a look at some of the common beliefs surrounding turkey and uncovered the interesting truths behind this tasty bird. From basting to stuffing, here are some interesting facts about your favorite November foul!  

 For more turkey talk, check out The Daily Meal's Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving