Lamb is a valuable source of protein, minerals and B-group vitamins including niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. Also, lamb is lean and low in cholesterol compared to other animal proteins. In fact, half of the fat in lamb is mono-unsaturated, the same type of fatty acids found in olive oil. For instance, a 3-ounce serving of topside lamb steak has only 5 grams of fat compared to 8 grams in beef and pork composite cuts and 10 grams in Atlantic salmon. In addition to this, the correct ratio of all 8 of the essential amino acids is contained in lamb meat.

Eating lamb is an enjoyable way of supplying our body with vitamins B12 and protein, as well as the iron and zinc it needs.

Protein
Lamb is a great source of protein, rich and balanced in essential amino acids which cannot be synthesized by the body and which therefore have to be obtained from our food. A 3-ounce serving of grilled lamb leg steak provides 43 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein of your daily protein needs.

B Vitamins
The vitamin B12 in lamb is great for the nervous system; iron helps carry oxygen to the muscles for energy and is important for brain performance, especially for memory and concentration. A 3-ounce serving of grilled lamb leg steak provides 74 percent of the RDA of vitamin B-12, 30 percent of the niacin and 15 percent of the riboflavin that most people need in a day.

Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that the body needs to form enzymes and insulin. The zinc in lamb is essential for our immune system. A 3-ounce serving of grilled lamb leg steak provides 33 percent of your daily zinc needs.

Iron
Iron is an important nutrient that helps carry oxygen to the muscles for energy and is important for brain performance, especially for memory and concentration. A 3-ounce serving of grilled lamb leg steak provides 26% of your daily iron needs.

The nutritional value of various lamb cuts is shown below. Similar cuts of other types of meat and poultry are shown in comparison. All of the nutritional values are based on a standard 3-ounce cooked portion meat or poultry, trimmed of excess fat and/or skin.

Lamb vs. Other Meats

Meat	Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol
Lamb Leg**	162	6.58 g	2.4 g	75.7 mg
Pork (fresh ham)	179	8.02 g	2.8 g	80.2 mg
Beef Round	164	6.59 g	2.4 g	69.0 mg
Chicken (dark and Light)	162	6.32 g	1.74 g	75.3 mg
Turkey (dark and Light)	145	4.23 g	1.4 g	64.4 mg

Source: USDA
**Whole leg (shank and sirloin)

Great Midwest Lamb Company's premium lamb, all-natural lamb, family farm produced American lamb products are natural and packed full of essential nutrients for vitality.