If you are looking for the authentic meaty taste in each bite, this is perhaps not the right page.
Just kidding!
Lamb may not be the staple meat in the US, but each time you go to any Mediterranean restaurant, the lamb kebab always attracts your attention.
But what about health and nutrition? Is lamb healthier than beef?
Lamb has 200% more heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids than beef. Lamb also has 30% more selenium than beef, which is good for immunity and cognitive functions. Beef has 6% fewer calories and 22% less fat, and 35% more zinc than lamb. It helps in diabetes control and muscle growth. Both have equal protein and minerals.
If you are really interested in the health benefits, side effects, and other good qualities of lamb compared to beef, I have tons to share with you! Stay with me before you light up your grill for a juicy steak or lamb chops.
Lamb Versus Beef Nutrition Facts
Nutritionally, there is not a huge difference between beef and lamb meat. However, preference varies according to people’s tastes and health conditions.
| Lamb (3.5-oz serving) | Beef (3.5-oz serving) | |
| Calories | 283 | 256 |
| Omega 3:6 ratio | 1:3.5 | 1:9.15 |
| Total Fat | 19.7 g | 15.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 8.1 g | 5.8 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 8.3 g | 6.6 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1.4 g | 0.5 g |
| Selenium | 40% of the DV (Daily Value) | 31% of the DV |
| Protein | 25 g | 27.7 g |
| Niacin | 34% of the DV | 27% of the DV |
| Zinc | 31% of the DV | 42% of the DV |
| Potassium | 7% of the DV | 7% of the DV |
| Iron | 11-23% of the DV | 11-26% of the DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 43% of the DV | 44% of the DV |
Lamb vs Beef Liver Nutrition
Why on earth am I talking about livers?
That must be the question on your mind right now. Right?
After the meat, the liver is the most popular organ people enjoy. It’s essential to know how nutritious those livers are.
| Lamb Liver (100 g) | Beef Liver (100 g) | |
| Calories | 249.3 g | 191 g |
| Total Fat | 10g (15% of DV) | 5.3 g (8% of DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 2.9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | 1.1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 568 mg (189% of DV) | 396 mg (132% of DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.9 g (1% of DV) | 5.1 g (2% of DV) |
| Protein | 34.7 g | 29 g |
| Sodium | 64 mg | 79 mg |
| Potassium | 250.7mg | 352 mg |
| Vitamin A | 565.3% of DV | 634% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 7.6% of DV | 3.2% of DV |
| Calcium | 0.7% of DV | 0.5% of DV |
Lamb vs Beef: Which One Is For You?
It’s not easy when you have two great options: beef and lamb. However, some prefer the tenderness of the lamb, whereas others prefer the strong beefy taste of beef. Let’s see which one is for you.
Lamb vs Beef Taste
Lamb is more tender than beef and has a milder taste. It’s also sweeter, with a delicate flavor that’s hard to describe but can only be tasted by those who have tried it.
As such, lamb is often used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as stews and soups.
On the other hand, beef tends to have a more robust flavor profile than a lamb—it’s often described as “gamey” or “meaty.”
This may not sound appealing at first glance, but if you give yourself time before eating your steak (or any meat), you’ll find it much more palatable once you’ve delivered your palate some time to adjust.
Beef vs Lamb Protein
Protein is the most important nutrient for building muscle. The protein content of beef is slightly higher than lamb, but it’s still lower than other meats like chicken or pork.
Lamb has less protein than beef, but it’s still better for you in some ways because it contains an adequate amount of iron and B vitamins (which help with energy production).
Lamb vs Beef Cholesterol
Lamb is lower in cholesterol than beef, with a total fat content of 7 grams per serving. Beef contains more saturated fats and cholesterol than lamb. It is good news if you’re trying to lose weight or lower your risk for heart disease by avoiding saturated fats in your diet.
Besides, lamb also has more unsaturated fats, which helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol.
Lamb vs Beef Calories
In terms of calories, however, beef is the leaner option. A 3.5-ounce serving of lamb contains approximately 283 calories, while the same serving of beef has only about 256 calories.
So, when it comes to calories, beef is the better choice. But lamb is the healthier option for other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Lamb And Beef Shawarma Calories
Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that traditionally features lamb or beef.
Both options are incredibly flavourful, but there is often debate about which is healthier. So, what are the differences between lamb and beef shawarma?
For starters, lamb is generally higher in calories and fat than beef. Lamb also contains higher levels of certain nutrients, including iron and zinc. However, beef shawarma does have some advantages as well.
Beef is a good source of protein, and it also contains more B vitamins than lamb. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a juicy and meaty option, go for lamb shawarma. But for more protein, opt for beef. Or, if you can’t decide, try a mixed plate!
Lamb vs Beef Price
Lamb is a luxury meat that costs more than beef, while beef is a staple food that’s easy to find.
If you’re thinking about switching your diet, lamb may be right for you because it’s healthier than beef and has less fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
But if you only care about price, stick with the cheaper cuts of steak or hamburger patties!
Beef vs Lamb Meat Health Benefits
When it comes to red meat, there are many different options. But what are the health benefits of beef vs lamb? Is one better for you than the other? Here’s a look at the facts.
Lamb is a good source of protein, providing about 22 grams in a 3-ounce serving. It’s also a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus. Lamb is also relatively lean, with only about 7 grams of fat in a 3-ounce serving.
Beef is also a good source of protein, providing about 26 grams in a 3-ounce serving. It’s also a good source of niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. Beef is slightly lower in fat than lamb, with about 5 grams in a 3-ounce serving.
So what does this all mean for your health? Both lamb and beef are excellent sources of protein and essential nutrients. However, beef may be the better option if you’re looking to save on calories and fat.
Lamb Is Always Better, And Healthier
- Lamb is more tender than beef, so it will be easier to prepare in your favorite recipes.
- Lamb has more flavor than beef, so you can use it to make a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to main dishes like burgers and steak fajitas!
- Lamb is slightly less healthy than beef because of its higher fat and cholesterol levels. However, the overall nutritional values make the meats ideal for those who want less fat while maintaining their health goals!
- In addition to being balanced in calories per pound, lamb has more protein per serving than most other meats; this helps keep you fuller longer after eating them (like how certain types of beans help us feel full longer too).
Related Article: 10 Best Foods to Eat to Lose Belly Fat
So, Lamb or Beef? Who is Winner?
Lamb and beef can both be part of a healthy diet, but they have some differences in terms of nutrition.
One major difference is that lamb tends to be higher in saturated fat and cholesterol than beef. This means that if you are trying to reduce your intake of these nutrients, it may be better to choose lean cuts of beef over lamb.
On the other hand, lamb is a good source of certain nutrients that are not as prevalent in beef. For example, it is higher in certain B vitamins, such as B12 and niacin, as well as minerals like zinc and iron. It is also a good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid that has been linked to a number of health benefits.
Overall, it is important to choose a variety of protein sources in your diet and to consider both the nutritional profile and your personal preferences when deciding which meats to eat.
