High intakes of saturated fat may increase blood cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease. But, lamb is a significantly a better source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 than chicken, meeting 10 percent or more of your daily value.
Most important Health Benefits of Lamb Meat
As a red meat, lamb inherently has a lot more iron than other protein sources like chicken or fish. In addition, since lamb is an animal source of iron, it contains heme iron rather than the non-heme iron found in plants.
Both lamb and chicken are rich in protein, a nutrient your body uses to build and repair vital tissues and cells. Chicken is slightly higher in protein -- a 100 g chicken breast provides 31 g of protein, while 100 g of lamb sirloin contains 28 g.
Lamb and beef contain 20 grams of fat per 100 grams serving. While chicken and turkey contain only 14 gram and 7 grams per 100 gram each. So, if you are conscious about your fat intake, prefer white meat over red meat. White meat is also higher in omega 3 fatty acid.
As previously mentioned, lamb is higher in both calories and fat than chicken, which is important when you're trying to lose weight. Lamb is also higher in saturated fat, 3 grams versus 1 gram. High intakes of saturated fat may increase blood cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease.
Red meat
Red meat, including beef, lamb, venison, and mutton, can have high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat.
Finally, health experts say to stay away from processed meats, which are generally considered to be unhealthy. These include any meat that has been smoked, salted, cured, dried, or canned. Compared to fresh meat, processed meats are high in sodium and can have double the amount of nitrates.
Compared to other meats, lamb is the most nutritional
However, lamb meat is healthier than other meats and is gaining attention from health-conscious people and weight-watchers.
In general, red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) have more saturated fat than skinless chicken, fish and plant proteins. Saturated fats can raise your blood cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease. If you eat poultry, pork, beef or other meats, choose lean meat, skinless poultry, and unprocessed forms.
A healthy balanced diet can include protein from meat, as well as from fish and eggs or non-animal sources such as beans and pulses. Meats such as chicken, pork, lamb and beef are all rich in protein. Red meat provides us with iron, zinc and B vitamins. Meat is one of the main sources of vitamin B12 in the diet.
No, you should not regularly eat lamb or add them to your daily diet. As mentioned, this red meat contains high levels of saturated fat. Therefore, overeating lamb in the daily diet will cause high cholesterol and hypertension.
Naturally rich in protein and nutrients, there are plenty of benefits to eating lamb as part of a balanced diet. Here are just some of the reasons why lamb should feature on your shopping list. Lamb provides five essential vitamins and minerals that support normal mental function.
High Source of Protein
Lamb is especially beneficial for those who engage in daily physical activity, such as athletes and bodybuilders, since protein helps with muscle repair. Consuming lamb can also prevent overeating since it is protein heavy.
Grilling, broiling, and roasting, for example, tend to reduce fat; pan-frying will increase it. In general, I recommend making meat a limited part of your diet—try to eat it no more than one to two times a week.
Red meats like beef, pork, lamb, and veal, are also high in saturated fat which provokes inflammation and heightens arthritis symptoms. To help reduce pain, swelling, and joint inflammation, try going meatless at least most of the week.
The nutritional value of lamb is heavily influenced by the cut as well; the leanest of cut choices include lamb loin, lamb shank, and lamb leg; all of which have about 150 to 170 calories per 3-ounce serving, and 2 to 3 grams of saturated fat.
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, salami and cold cuts, contain high levels of preservatives. Sodium, for example, raises blood pressure and stroke risk, while the body converts nitrites to cancer-causing nitrosamines. Lean or not, these products aren't healthy.
Possible Risks of Eating Lamb
Like any red meat, lamb comes with some health risks. Studies have found that high consumption of red meat products like beef, lamb, pork, veal, and mutton can raise your risk of a number of long-term (chronic) illnesses, including: Stroke. Prostate cancer.
Skinless, lean, and ground chicken or turkey breast are good low-cholesterol choices.
If you have high cholesterol, you should talk with your doctor about what you eat, including meat. There are good, lean choices. For example, you can consider chicken or turkey breasts without skin; pork tenderloin; or beef round, sirloin, or tenderloin. Avoid highly processed meats (bacon, ham, lunchmeat, etc.).