Lamb

Lamb is the meat from young sheep that are less than one year old. It is usually available in five different cuts including the shoulder, rack, shank/breast, loin and leg. Additionally, many stores sell it already ground to be used to make burgers, meat loaf or sauces.

History

Currently the most abundant livestock in the world, sheep were originally domesticated in the Middle East and Asia more than 10,000 years ago. As a source of not only food, but also textiles (wool), sheep were introduced and became popular throughout many regions of the world. The Romans introduced sheep into Great Britain, where lamb is very popular, over 2,000 years ago. Lamb was not introduced into the Western Hemisphere until the early 16th century when the armies of the Spanish explorer Cortez brought sheep with them on their explorations.

Since ancient times, lamb has been regarded as a religious symbol. It was commonly used as a sacrifice, and a symbol of sacrifice, in many religions including Judaism. In many countries, lamb is a traditional dish at Easter in commeration of the Last Supper at which lamb was likely served. Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God".

Lamb is a staple in cuisines throughout the world including Turkey, Greece, New Zealand, Australia and countries of the Middle East.

Nutritional Profile

Lamb is a very good source of protein and selenium. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, niacin, zinc and phosphorous.

Health Benefits

Although high in saturated fat, lamb is a very good source of protein, providing 60.3% of the daily value for protein along with 21.1% of the DV for saturated fat in four ounces. The structure of the human body is built on protein. We use animal and plant sources of protein for our amino acids and rearrange the nitrogen to make the pattern of amino acids we require.

Zinc for Healthy Immune Function

Lamb is also a good source of zinc, a mineral that affects many fundamental processes, perhaps the most important of which is immune function. If one mineral were singled out for its beneficial effects on the immune system, zinc would lead the pack. A cofactor in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions, zinc is critical not only to immune function, but for wound healing, and normal cell division. Zinc also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and the body's metabolic rate, and is necessary for an optimal sense of smell and taste.