What about goat meat?

Goat meat is also known as Chevon or Mutton when from an adult and referred to as cabrito, capretto or kid when from a young one. Goat meat is perhaps the most consumed meat in the world and features in several cuisines as delicacy in Africa, South America and Asia.

Goat meat has a reputation for having a slightly pungent flavor, especially from mature animals but this can be changed depending on how it is raised and prepared. It is said that the best meat comes from goats that are between 6-9 months old. Goat meat can be boiled, roasted, grilled or prepared as chops or in a stew. The legs are mainly grilled while the shoulders of the goat tend to be more succulent thus one chef advises a slow roast method to bring this about.

Goat meat is naturally lean, this means it is low in total fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. It is high in HDL count (good cholesterol) and low in bad LDL (bad cholesterol). Goat meat is also lower in fat than chicken and higher in protein than beef! When compared to other red meats, goat meat outshines them all as it is also lower in calories and has a higher iron and protein content. This is good news for those with high levels of cholesterol as well as those suffering from heart conditions, diabetes, asthma or if you are looking to maintain your waistline. If you are looking to lose weight, goat meat has higher chance of getting you where you want to be than other red meats. Goat meat is also easier to digest than other meats.

Goats also provide milk that is adequate for human consumption. It is also thought to be more nutritious than cow milk, though both contain more or less the same levels of nutrients. Goat milk does excel in certain nutrients where cow milk does not.

Goat milk has been associated with higher levels of zinc, necessary for the immune system, potassium, calcium, magnesium, Vitamins A & C. it also contains less lactose and is easier to digest for those with sensitive stomachs because its chemical makeup is similar to that of breast milk.

Goat milk however has higher levels of total fat, saturated fat and sugar. It has also lower levels of Vit B12, B2 and folate, which are found in good quantity in cow milk.

Of note, goat milk should not be fed to babies or infants – the proteins are too concentrated for them to digest and it’s probably not pasteurized thus may contain bacteria.