For the normal functioning of a healthy human body, the consumption of animal proteins is very important. They mostly come with meat from various animals, birds and fish. In European countries and North America, consumption of goat meat is low compared to other types, while in Asia, Latin America and Africa it is eaten frequently and in large quantities. There are ethnic and religious prohibitions on the use of certain animals for food.
What is the difference between goat meat and lamb
For food, dairy goats, young animals aged 6-10 months, and castrated goats are used. At an early age, goat meat is light pink, over time it becomes more saturated in color, darkening in air, with white dense fat.
In terms of taste and calorie content, goat meat is often compared to lamb. They have both common features and many differences. Both varieties are considered dietary products, especially when it comes to young goats, but goat meat has a saltier flavor than sweet lamb.
Both types have an odor, but in lamb it is eliminated by proper cooking and the addition of garlic and spices, and in goat it is associated with improper preparation and cutting. Young goat meat has a soft, delicate taste, reminiscent of rabbit meat, while “adult” goat meat is richer, spicy and pungent.
Composition and calorie content
100 grams of goat meat contains 216 kilocalories, which makes it suitable for dietary nutrition. Goat meat is included in the menu of children, the sick, those on a diet, and the elderly.
Goat meat contains the following substances:
- Vitamins B1, IN2, IN3, IN4, IN5, IN6, IN9, IN12, E, N.
- Minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, chlorine, sulfur, iodine, manganese, chromium, fluorine, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel and tin.
- Essential and non-essential amino acids.
- Proteins – 39.1 per 100 grams of product.
- Fats – 28.6.
In addition to its rich and healthy composition, pleasant taste and delicate texture, goat meat is not affected by parasites, which makes it even more in demand.
The benefits of goat meat for the human body
Goat meat is low in fat and cholesterol. Goat meat is easy to digest, has a good taste and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Its specific features make goat meat an indispensable product in the diet of representatives of all genders and generations.
For a man
Meat is necessary for all people, especially for men engaged in hard physical labor or diligently involved in sports. It saturates the body with protein, and goat meat has high nutritional value with a minimal amount of fat. This means that the beneficial properties of goat meat help fight atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, which men are especially prone to.
Goat meat also contains a lot of zinc, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the prostate gland. So regular consumption of delicious goat meat helps to maintain not only general, but also sexual health.
Goat meat has the ability to restore damaged connective tissue, which is also highly appreciated by representatives of the stronger half of humanity suffering from hernias, sprains, tendon ruptures, joint problems due to heavy lifting or injuries. The presence of choline has a positive effect on the liver, especially if it has been damaged by poor diet, smoking, or drinking alcohol.
For woman
Representatives of the fair half of humanity also benefit from tasty goat meat, especially during pregnancy and feeding offspring. Iron helps stabilize hemoglobin, saturate the blood with oxygen, potassium supports the heart muscle, removes excess fluid, and phosphorus strengthens bones, teeth, and stimulates metabolic processes.
Not only goat meat, but also goat fat helps maintain beauty and youth. It has excellent anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, so it can be used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
In hot milk with honey, goat fat is an excellent expectorant for severe colds, congestive bronchitis with cough. It can be given to children who refuse to take ready-made medications. Goat fat has a high refractoriness, so if you want to use it as a thick winter cream, you need to melt the substance with vegetable oil.
For children
A growing body needs a balanced diet and a large amount of protein. Goat meat supplies many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are vital for the growth and development of a child.
It can strengthen the immune system, make bones strong and teeth healthy. The presence of essential amino acids has a positive effect on brain function, and for a child who is actively exploring the world, this is extremely necessary.
Daily consumption rate
This indicator is directly related to age, gender, health status and workload:
- Children - 50-80 grams.
- Women – 130-150 grams.
- Men - 150-180 grams.
Elderly people should limit their consumption of goat meat to 50-100 grams per day.
Cooking recommendations
The meat of dairy goats is very tender, lean, and devoid of a hint of smell. It is great for baby food, as well as for those people who are squeamish about this product. It is best stewed in milk or cream sauce. The cooking rules are the same as for rabbit meat.
Meat from adult animals is low in fat and high in connective tissue, so if not cooked correctly it can end up dry and tough. To avoid such trouble, goat meat is marinated in different ways. This can be done as for barbecue - in dry wine, vinegar, as well as in tomato or soy sauce, with the addition of balsamic vinegar, onion, garlic and a large number of herbs and seasonings. This not only makes it soft, but also repels unpleasant odors and saturates it with flavors.
Harm and contraindications
Goat meat has high taste and nutritional characteristics, with virtually no contraindications and no harm to the human body. In extremely rare cases, an allergy to protein is possible, but any protein products can provoke it.
There are no dangerous parasites that can harm humans; goats do not suffer from tuberculosis or other dangerous diseases that can harm people. In exceptional cases, an individual reaction occurs, but it can be caused by psychological attitudes.
Also, the reason for refusal to eat may be the smell, but it appears only in cases where the carcass was cut up with gross violations of technology. Sometimes the cause of odor is the lack of castration of goatsintended for slaughter. The only contraindication is a known allergic reaction.
Rules for selection and storage
It is preferable to purchase goat meat from a manufacturer on a farm or in a village, then you can be sure of the freshness and quality of the product. It is worth taking dairy goats - they have tender, lean flesh, reminiscent of rabbit meat.
When purchasing, you need to inspect the carcass.It should not have a repulsive odor, it should be drained of blood, the flesh should be dense and elastic, and the fat should be white. The lighter the flesh, the younger the slaughtered animal was.
It is better to consume purchased goat meat within three days after purchase. It is necessary to store parts intended for quick consumption in the refrigerator, after first separating the pulp from the bones. The remaining portion should be frozen by placing it in a sealed bag or cling film - this will protect the liquid from freezing. When deep frozen, goat meat can be stored for six months to a year (provided it is constantly in the freezer). The defrosted product is not subjected to secondary exposure to cold.
