Ostrich meat is classified in the red meat group, although with much more properties and much less harm. Ostrich meat has a very high nutritional value. So we can say that it is one of the lowest fat and healthiest red meats available. The interesting thing about ostrich meat is that its calories, cholesterol, and fat are even lower than chicken and turkey meat.

In fact, ostriches have been farmed in South Africa since around 1860. At first, they were produced for their feathers. In Africa, they were used for tribal ceremonial dress and they were also exported to Europe and America where they were made into ladies fans and used for decorating hats. Later, feather fans and decorated hats went out of fashion but ostriches were still bred, this time for their hide. This can be treated to produce about half a square meter of leather, very delicate, fine stuff of very good quality.
At the same time, they used some of the meat for biltong, the air -dried strips of meat. It is popular in South Africa as a sort of fast food.

However, recently there’s been more and more interest in the development of ostrich farming in other parts of the world, and more people are recognizing its value as a food source.

Nutritional value of ostrich meat

It is low in fat, calories, and cholesterol and rich in vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. The thigh and breast are the main parts of ostrich meat.
Another important factor found in this meat is vitamin E, which is one of the most effective natural antioxidants.

Nutrition facts

Ostrich, tip trimmed, cooked

Sources include: USDA
Amount Per 100 grams
Calories 145
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2.6 g 4%
Saturated fat 1 g 5%
Cholesterol 85 mg 28%
Sodium 80 mg 3%
Potassium 362 mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 0 g 0%
Dietary fiber 0 g 0%
Sugar 0 g 0%
Protein 28 g 56%
Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0%
Iron 15% Vitamin D 0%
Vitamin B6 25% Cobalamin 105%
Magnesium 6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Benefits

Weight loss: lack of intramuscular in this meat is one of its important properties; Therefore, its balanced consumption is useful for people who are looking for weight loss or suffering from cardiovascular disease. The

Relieve depression and blood clotting
This meat has a beneficial effect in preventing blood clots and depression due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.

Also, ostrich meat provides the right amount of iron for anemic people and pregnant women. The amount of iron in this meat is almost as much as beef and much more than chicken.

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has great effects in reducing cardiovascular diseases and is effective for growth and development. It seems that this fatty acid is more effective in preventing clotting than omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Most people’s diets lack omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the low amount of sodium in ostrich meat makes it possible for people with high blood pressure to use it.

Also, ostrich meat is a source of group B vitamins, especially vitamins B6 and B12. The amount of vitamin B6 in ostrich meat is about 10 times higher than that of beef and chicken.

Does ostrich meat have urea?

The important thing to mention about ostrich meat is that this meat contains the amino acid purine. This amino acid will lead to the creation of uric acid. So if you have gout, this meat is harmful for you. Ostrich meat contains urea and increases joint pain and inflammation. Don’t forget that if you have gout, you should never eat ostrich meat.