American Lamb Nutrition
American Lamb is an excellent source of protein, Vitamin B-12,
niacin, zinc and a good source of iron.
PROTEIN
Our bodies need a constant supply of protein to build tissue and/or repair body cells as they wear out. A 3-ounce serving of cooked lean lamb provides 48 percent of the protein an average person needs in a day.
B-VITAMINS
Lamb contains a substantial amount of several B-vitamins. Vitamins B-12 which is only found naturally in animal foods is important for the normal functioning of body cells and the nervous system. Niacin (another B Vitamin) promotes healthy skin, nerves, and aids in digestion. A 3-ounce serving of cooked lean lamb provides 37 percent of the Vitamin B-12 and 27 of the niacin most people need in a day.
ZINC
Zinc is a mineral that the body needs to form enzymes and insulin. A 3-ounce serving of cooked lean lamb provides 30 percent of the zinc most people need in a day.
IRON
Iron is an important nutrient that helps red
blood cells carry oxygen to and from other cells in the body. People
who are low on iron become anemic. A 3-ounce serving of cooked lamb
provides 10 percent of the iron most people need in a day.
Compared to other meats, lamb has very little fat marbling
throughout the meat. With most fat limited to the outside edges,
it’s easily trimmed. That means fewer calories – only 175 in an
average 3-ounce serving.
A recent study showed that only about 36 percent of the fat in lamb
is saturated. The rest is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, the
“good” fat in our diets.