Yes, people eat goats. Goat meat is one of the most consumed meats in the world. Although it is not very common in the American diet, it is a staple meal in many other countries of the world.
Also, it is considered to be one of the healthiest red meat. Goat meat also has a rich, savory, flavorful, and tangy taste.
Goat meat has been eaten for thousands of years in Africa, South America, Central America, the Middle East, Europe, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you want to know more about goat meat, its taste, its nutritional value, why people eat goat meat, and why you should as well, read this article.
Do Americans eat goats?
Some people in the American population eat goats and some do not. The preference for other types of meat such as lamb and beef over goat meat is a cultural thing.
The culture of the Americans started with raising sheep and cows on farms instead of goats. This greatly influences why people do not eat goats. However, in recent times, there has been an impressive rise in the demand for goat meat.
Moreover, people have learned that goats produce one of the healthiest meats in the world.
Nutritional information on goat meat
According to the US Department of Agriculture, 4 ounce (100 grams) serving of goat meat contains;
- Calories: 143
- Saturated fat: 0.9g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Potassium: 406mg
- Sodium: 86mg
Goat meat also contains riboflavin, calcium, cobalamin, iron, and vitamin B12.
Where is goat meat eaten?
Many people all over the world eat goats, but some of the highest consumers are:
1. Africa
In Africa, goat meat is a constant staple, and there are even traditions that feature goat meat. Tanzanians have a tradition of gutting and roasting goat whole; this ceremonial goat is preferred for weddings instead of cake.
2. Europe
In southern Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Serbia, roasted goat is used for Easter celebrations. It is also used for spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna as a healthy alternative to beef.
In the alpine region of Europe and the northern region of Portugal, goat dishes are also served on Christmas day. The goat meat is either braised, fried, or stewed.
3. North America
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the amount of goats slaughtered in the US has doubled over the last ten years. Especially in New York City and San Francisco where goat meat is found in most upscale restaurants.
4. Asia
In India, Japan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indonesia, goat meat is a staple, and many cuisines feature it. In Okinawa, Japan, there are cuisines where goat meat is served raw in thin slices.
Why do people eat goat meat?
While goat is versatile, delicious, easy to prepare, and less expensive, the main reason people eat goat meat is because of its health benefits. Its health benefits include;
1. High source of protein
Goat meat contains high amounts of protein, which is important for the growth and repair of tissues and muscles.
2. Low in fat
The fat and saturated fat present in goat meat are relatively low, and this would benefit people on a weight control diet. Study shows that excess intake of saturated fat has been linked to heart disease.
3. Rich in iron
Goat meat contains twice the amount of iron found in other lean meat. And iron is responsible for creating hemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
Iron also plays other crucial roles in the body which include regulating the body temperature, production of energy, and boosting and supporting your immune system.
4. Contain a high level of cobalamin
Cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12, is very essential to the body. It aids the production of energy cells in the body and red blood cell formation.
5. Regulate blood pressure
Goat meat is high in potassium, which is a nutrient and electrolyte that helps reduce blood pressure. Also, it helps maintain cell function, especially nerve and muscle cells.
Can you eat goat meat every day?
No matter how much nutrition you stand to gain by eating goat meat every day, it is not safe. You must have heard the saying “Too much of anything is bad,” this also applies to food.
Excess intake of goat meat or any other red meat can have the following effects;
1. Heart disease
Study shows that excess intake of goat meat or any other red meat is linked with an increased risk of heart attack or other heart diseases.
2. Cancer
Excess intake of goat meat can also damage cells in the body, making the body to be weak. This can also affect the cells that fight chemicals that damage the DNA, and this can lead to cancerous cells being formed.
So, should you eat goat meat?
Yes, goat meat is a healthy lean meat option, but ensure you eat it in moderate proportions. About 350 – 500g weekly is enough for you to get the best nutrition out of it without risking your health.
How can you cook goat meat?
Goat meat can be prepared in various ways, but the best is to slow-cook it in stew and curries.
However, there are various other ways you can enjoy this delicacy such as roasting, grilling, and frying are also other ways to enjoy goat meat.
FAQs
How can you identify goat meat?
The major way to distinguish goat meat is the bone. Goat meat has a high meat-to-bone ratio that is easy to notice.
Why does goat meat take longer to cook?
It is because it needs to be cooked at low heat. Since goat meat has low marbling, high-heat cooking would make them tougher.
Is goat healthier than beef?
Yes, it is. Goat is healthier than beef because it has more nutrition to offer.
Can pregnant women eat goats?
Yes, they can. However, it is best to eat in moderate proportions.
Conclusion
Yes, many people eat goats, aside from the Americans. Goat meat is healthier than many other kinds of red meat. It has a higher amount of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
If you have not tried goat meat, I advise that you visit a restaurant that serves African or Asian cuisine where you can get tasty goat meat dishes for a trial.
Finally, if you are ready to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure, add moose meat to your list.
Thank you for reading this article.
