Meat is a common part of many human diets, offering rich sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
It can come from various animals, with cow, lamb, and chicken being the most widely consumed.
Recently, goat meat has gained popularity, especially due to its health benefits.
Read Also: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Start Consuming Goat Milk
It is considered one of the healthiest red meats due to being lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, and higher in iron than other meats.
Goat meat has a strong, gamey flavor, sweeter than lamb but less so than beef, and cooking it with flavorful spices enhances its taste.
Health Benefits of Goat Meat
- Low in Fat and Saturated Fat
While fat can contribute to excess energy intake, goat meat is lean, providing protein with fewer calories. This makes it a good option for those aiming to lose weight. A 3-ounce (85g) serving of goat meat contains about 1 gram of saturated fat, lower than some other meats, such as lean beef, which has about 2 grams of saturated fat in the same portion. Saturated fat is linked to an increase in “bad” cholesterol (LDL), which can contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Though newer studies question the link between saturated fat and heart disease, the American Heart Association still advises limiting its intake. - High in Iron
Goat meat is a great source of iron, offering about 3.2 mg per 3-ounce (85g) serving, nearly double the amount in lean beef (1.8 mg) and chicken breast (0.42 mg). Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. It also supports various bodily functions, such as immune support, energy production, and body temperature regulation. - Rich in Vitamin B12
Goat meat is an excellent source of vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient involved in energy production at the cellular level, DNA synthesis, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. - High in Potassium
Goat meat contains around 344 mg of potassium per 3-ounce (85g) serving, which is about 10% of the daily recommended intake. For comparison, a medium banana contains roughly 375 mg of potassium. Potassium is vital for regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper muscle and nerve cell function.
