The world is obsessed with health, from the latest scientific research to what’s trending on TikTok. Most people want to buy healthy foods, make healthy recipes and live a healthy lifestyle.
However, living the wellness life is challenging. American lamb makes it easier. American lamb is a flavorful, nutrient-rich food that’s available across the United States thanks to more than 80,000 family farmers dedicated to raising American lamb responsibly and sustainably. Plus, American lamb is easy to incorporate into any recipe whether you’re grilling, making Sunday dinner or simply celebrating taco Tuesday.
American lamb delivers flavor and wellness. What more could you ask for? How about these 10 nutritional benefits of eating American lamb.
Protein’s role in a healthy diet is not debatable. This essential macronutrient is an important building block of muscles, bones, cartilage and skin. Protein also helps repair cells and makes new ones. We need protein, and American lamb contains an average 22.5 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving.
For those following a Keto or Paleo diet and looking for quality sources of good fats and proteins, American lamb offers a flavorful and diverse option. The keto diet was the most searched for diet in 2022. Every week, more than 50,000 people turned to Google to learn about this high fat, low carbohydrate diet. American lamb is a very keto-friendly source of good fats and protein.
A 3-ounce serving of American lamb contains 3 grams of monounsaturated fat, a “good” fat that is also found in avocados and olive oil. According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which can lower heart disease and stroke risks. 40% percent of the fat in American lamb is heart healthy monounsaturated fat.
On average, a 3-ounce serving of American lamb is lean, with approximately 140 calories per serving1. Lean cuts of American lamb include the leg, loin and shoulder. Learn more about the cuts of lamb.
On average, lean cuts of American lamb are an excellent source of protein, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Lamb also is a good source of iron, phosphorus, pantothenic acid and copper. That’s an impressive nutrient load from 3-ounces of flavorful meat!
Most consumers aren’t looking for a side of growth hormones in their meal. American lamb ranchers and farmers don’t use hormones.
*Although growth hormones are not used in US lamb production, they are legal to use.
For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet was named the Best Overall Diet by U.S. News & World Report. Although the diet is mainly plant-based, it does allow for small amounts of lean animal-based proteins. And, according to Oldways, lamb is the perfect animal protein source for followers of this popular diet.
Sheep are raised in every state, meaning fresh, local lamb is available wherever you live. However, more than 50% of the lamb consumed in the United States is from Australia and New Zealand. That lamb travels up to 10,000 miles before it lands in the United States.
Research suggests that supporting a strong immune system begins with a healthy diet. A single portion of American lamb serves up nutrients essential for immune function: zinc, selenium, protein and iron2.
On average, a 3-ounce portion of American lamb is lean, contains only 160 calories and is packed with hunger-curbing protein — a perfect combination for weight management, according to research3.
Start adding flavorful, nutrient-rich American lamb to your meal plans by checking out our recipes for every meal occasion.
1 Colorado State University, U.S. Grain-Finished & Grass-Finished Lamb - Complete Nutrient Analysis of Ten Lamb Cuts and Ground Lamb, 2015
2 Maggini A, et al. Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients 2018; 10(10): 1531.
3 Paddon Jones D, et al. Protein, weight management, and satiety. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(suppl):1558S–61S.
