Meat is a staple feature in the daily diets of most people. Regardless of the type of meat you prefer, red or white, meat is a healthy source of vital nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, most people don’t know much about the nutritious value of meat and often enjoy it for its savory taste.
You can get your meat from various sources, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, and cow. Goat meat is becoming a fan-favorite among meat lovers in recent times. While the meat has been making frequent appearances in African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean cuisines, that hasn’t been the case in western counties.
But why do meat lovers globally love goat meat? Read on to learn why goat meat is one of the most widely consumed meats globally.
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Health Benefits
Like other red meats, goat meat has various health benefits for the human body. It has somewhat the same nutrients as other meats while being stunningly delicious. Also, meat lovers prefer relishing it since goat meat doesn’t have glaring health problems.
Here are some of the major nutrients in goat meat that provide health benefits to your body.
Protein
Goat meat is an excellent source of lean protein. The protein in goat meat features all the essential amino acids your body requires for health and development.
Protein is indispensable in your daily diet, playing a significant role in the growth and building of bones, skin, muscle mass, and blood. Also, protein helps your body to repair worn-out tissues and prevent excessive weight gain.
Iron
Goat meat is rich in iron, an essential nutrient in your diet. This nutrient helps the body to produce hemoglobin, a protein that facilitates red blood cells to transport oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency condition globally. Adding goat meat to your menu will help you skip the health issues of lack of iron.
Other healthy minerals in goat meat include potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Delicious Taste
Besides the obvious health benefits, goat meat is also tasty. It boasts a moderately sweet and somewhat gamey taste.
More specifically, goat meat is appropriately sweet and gamy – less sweet than beef but significantly sweeter than lamb. Consider lamb with a hint of earthy richness. Meat enthusiasts can’t help but enjoy the flavor.
However, goat meat’s gamey flavor can be a downside for some people. Moreover, since it’s lean meat, it can be tough and unpleasant to eat if you don’t cook it properly. Cooking at low temperatures for prolonged periods will help you enhance the taste and softness of goat meat.
Fat Content
Although fat may not be a concern, consuming too much will result in excessive calorie intake. Goat meat overcomes this problem since it’s leaner than other red meats, making it an ideal high-protein, low-calorie option. It makes goat meat a perfect fit for meat lovers looking to lose weight but can’t resist the allure of a juicy meat delicacy.
Also, a low-fat diet is vital in promoting heart health and preventing other health conditions, including diabetes and obesity. So, red meat isn’t all doom; you can still enjoy goat meat without risking your health and overall wellness.
Low Cholesterol
People love eating goat meat for its low cholesterol levels. It means you can eat meat more frequently without worrying about the effects of excessive cholesterol.
With lower cholesterol levels, goat meat is an ideal alternative to other meats with high cholesterol, including pork and chicken. A diet with limited cholesterol and saturated fat can help mitigate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Versatility
Goat meat is easy to cook, and you can prepare it in various ways. You can always get what works best, from grilling to braising, frying, roasting, and smoking.
Also, goat meat allows you to experiment with inventive recipes that require lamb or beef. It makes goat meat a versatile option for trying new flavors and skipping the typical repetitive and boring recipes while providing essential nutrients.
Budget-Friendly
Finally, goat meat is becoming a common delicacy in the US for its price. On average, the cost of goat meat almost matches that of beef. The significant disparity in goat meat prices comes from the type of cut you choose and the quality of the source.
Is goat good meat to eat?
Yes. Goat meat is naturally lean, highly nutritious, and has many health benefits for your body. It makes goat meat healthier than other red meats, including beef and pork.
Does goat meat taste like beef?
No. Goat meat has a distinct, slightly richer taste than beef, with a gamey feel. Beef and goat meat share similar textures, but you have to slow-cook or braise goat meat to achieve tenderness.
Why do Americans not eat goat meat?
Unlike other parts of the world, Americans and people from western countries don’t eat goat meat as often. It’s primarily a cultural issue as America draws most of its practices from the Britons who reared cows and sheep instead of goats. However, more Americans are now embracing goat meat for its nutritional value and rich taste.
What does goat meat taste like?
Goat meat has a bold taste, an earthy flavor, and a delicately sweet undertone. If you find the goat meat flavor too intense, consider infusing it with aromatic ingredients when marinating it. However, you may want to refrain from eating goat meat if you’re incredibly picky with meals.
Can you eat goat meat daily?
In most circumstances, you can enjoy goat meat daily, but because it’s classified as red meat, you may limit it to a few times per week. Nevertheless, eating a moderate proportion of goat meat in your daily diet shouldn’t raise any health concerns because of its low levels of saturated fat and nutrient-rich composition.
What parts of the goat are eaten?
You can eat four primary parts of the goat: loin, ribs, legs, and shoulder, divided into eight main cuts. The best goat part will vary depending on your preferences and preparation method. For instance, the legs have tender meat, perfect for roasting or skewing.