Q: Is lamb or mutton fatty?
A: A serving of lean lamb (trimmed of visible fat) contains on average less than 10% fat, which qualifies as a low-fat food. Trimming of visible fat from the lamb or mutton before cooking will lower the fat content greatly.
Q: What is a portion or serving of red meat?
A: 80 – 90 g (boneless) cooked portion is healthy serving. Lean red meat can be eaten 2-3 times a week.
Q: Is South African lamb and mutton naturally bred?
A: More than 80% of lamb and mutton in South Africa feed on natural pastures, this means that the animals are fed a healthy and natural diet.
Q: Is red meat bad for my health?
A: There no is distinction between foods that are bad for your health, it all boils down to moderation and portion sizes. A serving of lean red meat is actually beneficial for your health – it is naturally nutrient rich, with up to 10 significant nutrients needed by your body.
Q: What is CLA?
A: CLA is an anti-oxidant found in South African lamb and mutton. CLA protects the body from cancer and heart disease and reduces cholesterol levels.
Q: Why eat meat at all?
A: Meat is a source of high quality protein, with important vitamins and minerals that are important for your body to function at its best. Lamb and mutton is a good source of iron – an important mineral that helps transport oxygen around your body.
Q: Is lamb and mutton a good source of protein?
A: Yes. Lamb and mutton is a source of high quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for optimum body functioning.
Q: Why do I need protein on a daily basis?
A: Your body needs protein daily to repair, maintain and replace body tissues e.g. skin, hair and muscles.
Q: Besides protein, what else is in South African lamb or mutton?
A: There are up to 10 vitamins and minerals in South African lamb and mutton. These nutrients contribute a significant amount to your daily needs.
Q: Which vitamins are present in meat?
A: Essential vitamins in lamb are Vitamin A and B Vitamins 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12.
Q: What about the minerals present in South African lamb and mutton:
A: The most important minerals found in South African lamb and mutton are iron and zinc. Bothe these vitamins are important for specific functions in your body.
Here are a few cooking and preparation tips for eating meat the healthy way:
- Buy lean cuts of meat with minimal or no visible fat
- Cut visible fat from the meat before cooking
- Avoid adding more oil or fat (butter and margarine) during cooking
- Try to roast or grill your meat rather than pan-frying
- Drain the drippings after cooking, this contains most of the fat
- Avoid using drippings for gravy
- Use low-fat or non-fat sauces or marinades.Tomato-based marinades or a good option to use
Q: What other advice or tips are there for eating healthy?
A: The South African Department of Health developed 11 Food Based Dietary Guidelines that focus on developing healthy eating habits
- Enjoy a variety of foods – It is important to eat different types of food everyday to take in all the needed nutrients.
- Make starch foods the basis of most meals – Starchy foods should make up the main part of your meals.
- Chicken, fish, meat, milk or eggs can be eaten daily – A serving of lean red meat can be eaten 2-3 times a week
- 3 portions of dairy are needed everyday as well.
- Eat plenty vegetables and fruits a day – 5 different fruits or vegetables should be part of your daily meals
- Eat dry beans, peas, lentils and soya regularly
- Use salt sparingly
- Use fats sparingly
- Eat or use food and drinks containing sugar sparingly and not in between meals
- Drink lots of clean, safe water
- If you drink alcohol, drink it sensibly
- Be active