Benefits of eating lamb meat

1. Its proteins are of high biological value Lamb meat contains proteins of high biological value

“These proteins are the ones that have all the essential amino acids” —explains the specialist—. “It is not enough to simply have proteins like this, "But they must be of high biological value to guarantee a correct supply of amino acids.".

Lamb meat contains threonine, which facilitates the metabolism of fats and, therefore, digestion.

The average protein content of lamb meat is 16 a 29 grams for each 100 grams, depending on the cut analyzed. Besides, This meat is characterized by its high bioavailability, that is to say, that its nutrients are absorbed effectively by the body and can be used quickly.

2. It is easily digestible

We usually associate lamb meat with large meals and that can make us think that it is a heavy meat to digest.. Quite the opposite. The so-called digestibility coefficient measures the ability to assimilate food.. In the case of lamb meat, that index is high. “It requires less digestive and metabolic effort to digest it”, explains Dr. Escribano. Its threonine content facilitates the metabolism of fats and, therefore, digestion. Threonine deficiency is related to digestive problems and poor intestinal absorption.

3. High content of folic acid and iron

Two of the aspects that the Nutrition specialist highlights about this meat is folic acid., “which prevents neural tube defects in newborns and, therefore, Its consumption would be indicated during pregnancy.”, and iron. “It also contains vitamin B2, B6 y B12, plus isoleucine, “which increases red blood cells and helps prevent anemia”.

4. It is indicated for athletes and weight loss diets.

Its proteins of high biological value and its essential amino acids are indicated for athletes., that they can find in this meat the ally to promote the synthesis of muscle proteins. Its high B6 content facilitates the metabolism of carbohydrates and glycogen, “which gives it an important role in aerobic physical activity”, doctor recommends.

Amino acids also help prevent muscle loss, which usually appears in the older population, and reduces muscle tissue breakdown.

Lamb meat only contains 220-230 calories for each 100 grams, that is to say, Its caloric intake is moderate and can be included in all types of diets., also in weight loss.

5. Helps the immune system

These days, Dr. Escribano has pointed out that to defend against viruses and bacteria, The body has the immune system that “you have to train” and enhance, among other things, with good nutrition. In addition to vitamin C and D in this task, We must keep in mind that we must consume foods with zinc. “This extraordinary mineral intervenes against infections of the respiratory system and as a preventative, so its consumption is very important”, points out the endocrinology expert. It is not only found in cheeses, egg yolk or oat flakes, but also in lamb meat. Besides, it incorporates lysine, which facilitates the formation of antibodies, thereby enhancing the development of the immune system.

“Zinc intervenes against infections of the respiratory system and as a preventative”

6. Promotes mood and sleep

Lamb contains tryptophan, an amino acid that, once ingested, the body converts into serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone, which allows the brain to relax and we can sleep. Tryptophan also allows the body to make melatonin., the hormone responsible for sleep cycles. So, Eating foods that contain this amino acid will allow us to reduce stress levels—improving our mood—and we will be able to fall asleep more effectively..

7. Helps repair tissue after surgery

Dr. Escribano highlights the presence of valine in this meat, leucine and isoleucine, some amino acids that the body is not able to generate on its own and must be ingested. All three are involved in “muscle and tissue control and repair”, and promote “tissue healing in patients who have undergone surgery”. Besides, how to reduce muscle loss, It is indicated for patients who must remain for long periods of convalescence.. It also stands out in potassium, that helps the functioning of the muscular system, nervous system and blood pressure. Eating foods with tryptophan will allow us to reduce stress states, improving our mood

8. Beneficial during menopause

Lamb meat is recommended for people with osteoporosis problems, since its high level of selenium, match, Calcium and zinc increase bone mineral density and help during the menopause process. The Ministry of Health advises selecting lean cuts of this type of meat to maintain good nutritional status during this moment in women's lives..

9. Prevents diabetes

The nutrition expert recalls that the amount of leucine and isoleucine in lamb meat “acts in the control of glycemia and, therefore, in the prevention of diabetes. Leucine plays a fundamental role in the metabolization of insulin, hence its importance in the prevention of type II diabetes.

culinary culture

Spain is the second largest producer of lamb meat in the EU, with a 20% of market share. This meat has always been very present in the culinary culture of our country.; Visigoths and Muslims introduced lamb into the diet and it has continued to this day. Today, producers see it as an opportunity to maintain the half a million jobs generated by the sheep and goat sector., according to estimates by the Interprofessional Agri-Food Organization of Sheep and Goats, and as a way to maintain the population in the rural world.

Cooperatives like Covap gather 300 sheep farms, whose main race is Merina, which has been present in Spain for more than 800 years.

It is characterized by a high genetic potential for meat production that, in this case, stands out for its characteristic pinkish color, juiciness and smooth flavor on the palate. Traceability is a hallmark of Covap, since the lamb meat products come from animals born and raised under the control and direct supervision of the cooperative on the farms of its farmers..

This effort has allowed them to bring together various quality seals for their meats., in addition to the ecological certificate of the European Union and the Halal certificate to be able to sell lamb to the Muslim population.