Indispensable for Easter, on the Romanian table, lamb meat is rich in iron and protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, but it is not recommended for everyone. “We must not combine this meat with a high consumption of eggs or alcohol, as it happens with us,” doctors warn.
Lamb meat, benefits and contraindications PHOTO: shutterstock
“Lamb is a very good quality meat, if the animal is not very small when cut. It is recommended that the lamb weigh at least 14-15 kilograms when slaughtered, and this year being the month of May, this requirement is easy to meet. Ideally it should be cooked in the oven. It can also be stewed, grilled or stewed, under no circumstances fried. Being red meat, it contains iron, so it is good in fighting anemia. It also has an important supply of vitamins from the B complex and potassium. Lamb meat contains Omega 3 fatty acids, important minerals such as zinc, phosphorus and calcium and only about 35% saturated fat, which comes out of the meat fibers if it is prepared without oil. The remaining 65% of the fats they contain are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, in other words the healthiest types of fat for the body”, claims Prof. Dr. Alexandru Nechifor, specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
Lamb meat contains substances that form uric acid in the body
However, it is good that this type of meat is avoided by those who suffer from increased cholesterol in the blood, associated with other chronic diseases, but also by those who have heart disease, acute or chronic pancreatitis. According to the specialist, lamb meat contains more purines, substances that form uric acid in the body. The accumulation of excess uric acid and the inability to eliminate it causes gout and increases the risk of kidney stone formation.
“Since it’s a young meat, it also contains quite a lot of purines so gout sufferers should avoid it. Lamb meat is not recommended for people with liver, kidney or pancreas problems. People who have decompensated cardiovascular diseases must also pay special attention”warns doctor Alexandru Nechifor.
Doctor Alexandru Nechifor PHOTO: Personal Archive
To avoid possible problems it is recommended to combine lamb meat with salad and foods rich in fiber.
“We have to take advantage of the fact that it is spring and we have an extremely large variety of salad and fresh vegetables available. Obviously, we don’t have to combine this meat with a large consumption of eggs or alcohol, as it happens with us. Great attention for those who have fasted, the resumption of food is done gradually over 7-10 days. The key is moderation, it is very important not to abuse the Holy Easter Holidays, so a visit to the doctor“, concludes Dr. Nechifor Alexandru
