Like other meats, lamb is an excellent source of nutritionally complete protein, providing all eight essential amino acids in the right ratios. But protein is not all you’ll get from lamb. It’s also a veritable multivitamin when it comes to nutrition.
Infact a 100 grammes serving provides:
41% of the RDA for Vitamin B12 – This vitamin is essential for healthy nervous and digestive systems, for energy production, to reduce heart-harming homocysteine and more.
49% of the RDA for Selenium – An antioxidant micronutrient that is vital for healthy cell division and cancer protection, thyroid health and detoxification.
39% of the RDA for Vitamin B3 – Helps convert food into fuel (glucose), is essential for the nervous system, helps the body make hormones, and is important for healthy circulation.
31% of the RDA for Zinc – A mineral with an important role in immune function, as well as the synthesis of proteins and DNA in the body.
23% of the RDA for Phosphorous – A mineral needed for healthy bones and teeth, as well as aiding the body in using carbohydrates and fats and making protein.
15% of the RDA for Iron – A mineral that is necessary to make haemoglobin and myoglobin, the proteins in red blood cells and muscles that help transport and store oxygen.
Lamb is also a good source of omega – 3 – the healthy fats typically found in cold-water fish – that have been shown to reduce inflammation, boost brain health and guard against cancer and heart disease (to name just a few).
In fact, gram for gram, lamb provides roughly 50% of the omega-3s you’ll find in tuna!
With the current concerns about the health of our oceans and the often high cost of clean-sourced fish, enjoying lamb is an economical way to fortify your diet with a safe source of healthy omega-3 fats.
Almost 40% of the fats in lamb come from oleic acid. This is the monounsaturated fat best known for its prevalence in the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Lamb is also one of the best known sources of conjugated linoleic acid(CLA). This is a unique fat that is found only in the meat and milk of ruminants (ie. cows, goats, sheep). CLA has been associated with a plethora of health benefits, including improved immune function, reduced inflammation, healthy bone mass, as well as blood sugar regulation, weight loss and improved lean body mass!
Lamb pairs well with Mediterranean spices and herbs including mint, basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. It also goes well with more exotic flavours, reminiscent of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, including curries, cumin, coriander and allspice.
With the many nutrition benefits and culinary options lamb offers, there’s no need to save it for a special occasion. Get the best Lamb in town from Licious today!