If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, lamb shanks are a great option. A 1/3 portion (114 g) of lamb shank contains around 160 calories, making it a filling and nutritious choice.

Lamb shanks are a popular cut of meat that come from the upper part of the lamb's leg. They are typically slow-cooked for several hours, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone. In addition to being delicious, lamb shanks are also a good source of protein and a variety of important vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of lamb shank in more detail, as well as some recipe ideas to inspire your next meal.

What is Lamb Shank?

As mentioned, lamb shanks come from the upper part of the leg of the lamb. They are typically sold bone-in and range in size from around 8-10 ounces each. Because they are a working muscle, lamb shanks can be quite tough if not cooked properly, but when slow-cooked they become tender and flavorful. Lamb shank is a popular choice for braising or stewing, as it holds up well to long cooking times and infuses the dish with rich flavor. It's a great option for colder months when heartier, warming meals are on the menu. Lamb shank is also a versatile cut of meat that can be seasoned and prepared in a variety of ways. It pairs well with robust herbs and spices, and is equally delicious when paired with lighter, more aromatic flavors.

How Many Calories in Lamb Shank?

As mentioned earlier, a 1/3 portion (114 g) of lamb shank contains around 160 calories. However, the exact number of calories will depend on how the lamb shank is prepared and whether any additional ingredients or sauces are used. When cooking lamb shanks, it's important to keep an eye on portion sizes if you're watching your calorie intake. However, the good news is that lamb shanks are very filling and satisfying, so you won't need to eat a lot to feel full and satisfied. In addition to being relatively low in calories, lamb shanks are also a good source of other important nutrients, which we'll explore in more detail next.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Lamb Shank?

Lamb shanks are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue in the body. A 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains around 21 grams of protein, which is roughly 42% of the daily recommended value. Lamb shanks are also a good source of a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and sodium. In fact, a 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains roughly 20% of the daily recommended value of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Overall, lamb shanks are a nutrient-dense food that can provide a variety of important health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Lamb Shank as a Protein Source

Protein is an essential nutrient that is required for many important functions in the body. It is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as for the production of hormones, enzymes, and other important molecules. Lamb shanks are a great source of protein, containing roughly 21 grams per 1/3 portion. Because protein is essential for muscle building and repair, lamb shanks can be a great choice for athletes or anyone who is looking to build or maintain muscle mass. Additionally, because protein is very filling and satisfying, consuming lamb shanks can help to reduce overall calorie intake by keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

Lamb Shank as a Source of Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to being a great source of protein, lamb shanks are also packed with a variety of important vitamins and minerals. For example, lamb shanks are a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body. They are also a good source of zinc, which is important for a healthy immune system and wound healing. Lamb shanks also contain vitamin B12, which is important for a healthy nervous system and the production of red blood cells. Finally, they are a good source of sodium, which is important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.

Lamb Shank and Iron

Iron is an important mineral that is required for carrying oxygen throughout the body. A 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains roughly 20% of the daily recommended value of iron, making it a good dietary source of this essential nutrient. Iron deficiency is a common problem, particularly among women and athletes, and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and poor immune function. Consuming iron-rich foods like lamb shanks can help to prevent iron deficiency and promote overall health and wellbeing. It's worth noting that the iron in lamb shanks is heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plant-based foods.

Lamb Shank and Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that is required for many important functions in the body, including the immune system, wound healing, and DNA production. A 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains roughly 20% of the daily recommended value of zinc, making it a good dietary source of this nutrient. Consuming zinc-rich foods like lamb shanks can help to support overall health and wellbeing. It's worth noting that zinc is more readily absorbed from animal-based foods than from plant-based foods, making lamb shanks a particularly good choice for meeting your daily zinc needs.

Lamb Shank and Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that is required for a healthy nervous system and the production of red blood cells. It is found primarily in animal-based foods, and deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems. A 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains roughly 80% of the daily recommended value of vitamin B12, making it a great dietary source of this essential nutrient. Consuming lamb shanks can help to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency and promote overall health and wellbeing. It's worth noting that vitamin B12 is not found in plant-based foods, so individuals following a vegan or vegetarian diet may need to supplement in order to meet their daily needs.

Lamb Shank and Sodium

Sodium is an important mineral that is required for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. It is found in many foods, particularly processed foods and those that are naturally salty, like lamb shanks. A 1/3 portion of lamb shank contains roughly 14% of the daily recommended value of sodium. While it's important to monitor your sodium intake and avoid excessive consumption, consuming moderate amounts of sodium can be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. It's worth noting that individuals with high blood pressure or other health conditions may need to monitor their sodium intake more closely.

Lamb Shank and Fat Content

Lamb shanks are a moderately fatty cut of meat, containing roughly 9 grams of fat per 1/3 portion. However, much of this fat is in the form of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can provide important health benefits. It's worth noting that lamb shanks are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation in the body. While consuming moderate amounts of fat can be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing, it's important to monitor your overall calorie intake and avoid excessive consumption of unhealthy saturated and trans fats.