Is Goat Meat Really Causing Hypertension? This is the Explanation of IPB Expert

Goat meat (Photo: Freepik/lifeforstock)

JAKARTA - Many people are still hesitant to eat goat meat because of various assumptions circulating in the community, ranging from cholesterol issues to high blood pressure. If viewed from the perspective of nutritional science and the right processing method, goat meat can actually be part of a healthy and balanced diet. The key is not just in the type of meat, but the portion, cooking method, and the combination of accompanying foods.

Goat meat is basically safe to eat as long as it is not eaten in excess and processed in the right way. This was conveyed by the Professor of Genetics and Animal Breeding at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), Prof. Ronny Rachman Noor. He explained that the safety of consumption is greatly influenced by the way it is cooked and served.

Ronny suggested that consumers be more selective in choosing pieces of goat meat, especially by paying attention to its fat content.

"Before cooking, it is recommended to remove the fat that sticks to the meat to ensure the fat content is as minimal as possible," he said, quoted from the official IPB website.

In addition, the process of adding seasonings also needs to be considered. He recommends the use of spices and seasonings with low sodium levels. For cooking techniques, methods such as roasting, burning, or boiling are considered better than other techniques that add a lot of fat.

"It would be good to avoid frying goat meat. In addition, use recipes that combine goat meat with vegetables and whole grains so that the resulting nutrition is more balanced," he added.

In the community, goat meat is often labeled as a hot food and is said to be the cause of high blood pressure. According to Ronny, this assumption is more based on traditional beliefs than strong scientific evidence.

Not a few people end up avoiding goat meat because of its characteristic aroma and taste, plus concerns about its impact on health. In fact, scientifically, like other red meats, goat meat is not a direct cause of hypertension.

Health risks often arise due to the way they are processed and the habit of consuming them. A diet high in fat, salt, and excessive portions is much more influential on blood pressure than just the type of meat.

The nutritional quality of meat is also influenced by many factors, including the type of livestock, genetics, and its maintenance system. For example, goats raised with a herding system tend to produce meat with lower saturated fat and cholesterol levels compared to livestock from an intensive fattening system.

In terms of nutrition, goat meat, also known as chevon, is a better choice of red meat. Its fat content is relatively lower, the protein is denser, and the cholesterol profile is better than beef and lamb.

Chevon also has less saturated fat than many other types of red meat, so it can help maintain heart health. In addition, goat meat is a source of iron and protein that is important to support the overall function of the body.

Ronny admitted that goat meat still contains cholesterol, but the amount is considered moderate. In fact, the level is lower than the cholesterol in beef and lamb.

"So if goat meat is consumed in moderation, it will not increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels drastically," said Ronny.

A number of studies show that in a balanced and non-excessive diet, consumption of goat meat is not proven to worsen blood pressure or fat profile in individuals with mild hypertension.

The study also emphasizes that people with hypertension should limit their intake of red meat, especially processed products that are high in saturated fat. Lamb meat processed in a healthy and low-fat way can be a better choice than some other types of red meat.

When discussing the risk of hypertension, it is important for the public to understand that cooking and serving techniques have a major influence on their health impact.

"Frying or cooking with excessive salt, butter, or fatty sauces can turn healthy meat into a food that is at risk of hypertension," said Ronny.

In addition to cooking methods, portion size is also no less important. Excessive consumption of red meat, including goat meat, can increase the workload of the cardiovascular system.

The need and safe limit of red meat consumption depends very much on the health condition of each person. Individuals with hypertension or heart and blood vessel disorders need to be more careful in regulating red meat intake, including goat meat.