Could Goat Meat Boost Athletes’ Performance?
Goat meat, popularly savored by many, is rumored to enhance the stamina of athletes. But how accurate is this assertion?
Proper nutrition is indispensable for athletes, such as those who competed in the 2018 Jakarta and Palembang Asian Games, to ensure they perform at their peak. Numerous foods are believed to fuel athletes’ vigor, and goat meat is among them. But is this truly the case?
Competing athletes, especially in disciplines demanding immense stamina, require top-notch nutrition. Beyond hydration, food plays a pivotal role in determining their on-field performance.
✅The Significance of Nutrition for Athletes
Nutrition holds paramount importance for athletes. Proper dietary management is essential to maintain their health, nutrition, and fitness. Moreover, it’s necessary for athletes to achieve the specific physique required for their respective sports.
Many are convinced that one of the foods capable of offering that extra burst of energy is goat meat. Although it might not be as mainstream as beef or chicken, goat meat is a protein source favored by many, including athletes. For instance, during the recent Eid al-Adha celebrations, athletes at the Athletes’ Village in Jakabaring Sport City, Palembang, relished goat meat skewers, honoring the traditional festivities.
Despite its popularity, some perceive goat meat as detrimental to health, linking it to hypertension and cholesterol.
However, according to Dr. Karin Wiradarma from KlikDokter, this perception is misguided. In reality, goat meat can be a healthier alternative protein source compared to beef and chicken.
A serving of 85 grams of goat meat contains 122 calories, 2.6 grams of fat, and 64 milligrams of cholesterol. In contrast, the same serving size of chicken has 162 calories, 6.2 grams of fat, and 76 milligrams of cholesterol. Beef, on the other hand, in an 85-gram serving, contains 179 calories, 7.9 grams of fat, and 73 milligrams of cholesterol.
Clearly, when compared, goat meat possesses lower fat and cholesterol content than chicken and beef. Additionally, goat meat is known to be rich in iron, even doubling the amount found in chicken.
✅Does Goat Meat Truly Energize Athletes?
Being a type of red meat, consuming goat meat in appropriate quantities can indeed be beneficial for the body. However, one must be cautious in its preparation. If goat meat is cooked with coconut milk or peanut sauce, it can potentially lead to hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels.
Moreover, the quantity consumed matters. As stated by Dr. Kartika Mayasari to KlikDokter, excessive goat meat consumption can result in fatigue. She notes, “One might feel instantly drained after consuming too much goat meat.” This is because red meat is densely packed with protein, requiring the body to expend significant energy in digestion.
Digesting goat meat can be even more challenging if consumed without sufficient prior intake or on an empty stomach, as there’s no available energy for the digestion process.
The benefits or drawbacks of goat meat hinge on its consumption quantity and preparation method. Hence, it’s wise to consume goat meat judiciously.
Dr. Dyah Mega Inderawati, also from KlikDokter, recommends a daily intake of no more than 70 grams of goat meat for menu makanan para atlet. If served as skewers, this equates to about five medium-sized skewers. Athletes aren’t discouraged from consuming goat meat since it’s a protein source that can generate energy, potentially boosting their vigor. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to monitor the quantity and cooking methods to ensure that the health benefits of goat meat aren’t negated by potential drawbacks.