How horse meat is useful, cooking

The benefits and harms of horse meat are well known to representatives of the South Asian nomadic peoples and residents of the northern regions of Russia. Meat of mares, geldings is a part of national dishes, which are served both raw and cooked in various ways: from boiling to stewing, salting and using in the form of semi-finished products. With different ways of serving, the quantitative composition of useful biologically active substances in meat changes. It is not difficult to cook horse meat competently, while retaining the useful properties of the product.

Horse meat chemical composition

Horse meat - dietary low-fat meat obtained during the slaughter of mares, geldings that have reached the age of 1-2 years (meat of individuals older than 3 years has distinctive properties). The product has the following unique composition:

• macronutrients (calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium);
• trace elements (copper, manganese, cobalt, iron);
• vitamins (B1, B2, E, PP).

In terms of taste, composition and calorie content, the product in question is superior to some other types of meat (lamb, pork, beef).

It is advisable to eat horse meat 2-3 times a week in the following portions: 120-150 g - the weight of a finished portion for an adult and 50-70 g - a portion for a child and an elderly person.

Nutritional value and calorie content of horse meat

Horse meat is considered a lean product with low energy value. This indicator varies with different methods of preparing the final dish.

The calorie content of cooked-smoked sausages made from horse meat is equal to 349 kcal, and basturma - to 239 kcal.

The benefits of horse meat for the human body

Horse meat is a low-fat, easily digestible product, which can be consumed even by persons with diseases of the digestive tract. Due to the high water content (70%), the horse slaughter product is easily digested, so it can be consumed not only by adults, but also by children and the elderly.

Horse meat is indicated for persons whose activities are associated with high physical exertion (for example, athletes, miners), active mental activity, employees of enterprises and residents of areas with a high radiation background. It would be useful to include in the meat of mares and geldings for people during the period of postoperative recovery, rehabilitation, in order to prevent injuries (especially in the elderly).

For adults

The beneficial properties of horse meat for adults, as well as for children, are due to the composition of the product and consist in:

1. No negative effects on the vascular system (low cholesterol).
2. Stimulates the absorption of sugar, so horse meat is good for diabetes.
3. Normalization of metabolic processes. The presence of a high concentration of vitamin B₁ in the product promotes it to a leading position in the ranking of "metabolism boosters". Therefore, the meat of geldings and mares is useful for losing weight.
4. Improving potency, so horse meat is good for men.
5. A beneficial effect on the nervous system. The trace elements that make up the product have a positive effect on nerve cells, helping to eliminate somnological disorders (insomnia, anxiety).
6. Strengthening the protective functions of the human body. The content of vitamin E in meat helps to increase the body's resistance to infections and viruses.
7. Improving the condition of the connective tissue in the human body.
8. Improving the outflow of pancreatic secretions. Fat is rich in vegetable fats, therefore, horse meat is useful for pancreatitis, liver diseases and biliary dyskinesis (use with the permission of the attending physician).
9. Improving the state of the hematopoietic system and blood composition, due to the iron content. The product is intended for use by persons suffering from anemia.
10. Strengthening the heart muscle and normalizing the heart.

This is just a small part of the useful properties of horse meat, which makes it possible to put it in high positions in the “Useful Meat Products” rating.

For children

Horse meat practically does not contain allergens, therefore this product is allowed for use by children (even allergy sufferers), but only after consulting a pediatrician. The benefits of horse meat for children:

1. Improving immunity.
2. Acceleration of bone tissue regeneration due to the high phosphorus content.
3. Replenishment of the lack of protein in the body during the period of active growth.
4. Warming effect (when consumed cold).
5. Combating the effects of radiation exposure.

In the absence of contraindications, the pediatrician permits the introduction of the product into complementary foods for a child who has reached 6 months. The initial portion is no more than 5 g. In the absence of allergic reactions, the portion size is gradually increased.

Can pregnant and lactating women eat horse meat?

A permit for the use of horse meat for women who are carrying or nursing a child can only be given by a doctor who is observing the expectant mother and her child. Although this product is hypoallergenic and has many positive properties, it can also be harmful in large quantities and if the rules of preparation are not followed.

Pregnant and lactating women are most often allowed to use boiled, stewed horse meat, since such meat is soft, saturated with macro- and microelements, vitamins and does not irritate the walls of the digestive tract.

Eating horse meat for weight loss

During the period of weight loss, it is possible and even necessary to use horse meat, since it is a dietary product rich in macro- and microelements, vitamins, and animal fats. The main thing is to know the rules of preparation and peculiarities of use.

To lose about 5 kg of excess weight, it is enough to adhere to the following diet for 7-10 days:

• for breakfast - porridge on water with 150 g of boiled horse meat and green tea;
• for lunch - a portion (200 g) of stewed horse meat with vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, bell peppers, onions, garlic), with freshly squeezed fruit juice;
  
• for dinner, it is allowed to use a light vegetable salad with a portion of meat 120 g (ready-made);
• before going to bed, it is allowed to drink 200 ml of fermented milk product (fermented baked milk, kefir, kumis).

How to cook horse meat deliciously

Raw meat is quite tough, so it is best to eat it cooked (it becomes soft when cooked, as when marinated and soaked). Cooking meat is simple: put the washed piece in boiling, salted water and cook for about 3 hours.

Braised horse meat goes well with carrots, garlic, bell peppers, celery, turnips, onions, tomatoes. By mixing ingredients and adding spices (rosemary, salt, pepper), you can get an excellent vegetable stew with meat - a dish that will impress even gourmet gourmets.

Horse meat harm and contraindications

This product may be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms (Trichinella, Salmonella). To protect yourself from this kind of microflora, it is enough:

• choose only fresh high-quality meat (purchase from trusted persons and check the pieces for signs of mustiness);
• subject the product to heat treatment before use.

The meat of geldings and mares should be taken with caution by people with increased secretion of bile acid, due to the cholagogue effect exerted.

It is also necessary to use dried horse meat with caution, especially for people with renal, heart failure, prone to obesity. This product contains a large amount of salt (sodium chloride).

How to choose and store horse meat correctly

The benefits of horse meat are preserved only when only fresh product is used in the cooking process, the distinctive features of which are: crimson color, shiny, moist surface, elastic consistency. Signs of stale horse meat include discoloration (brownish or grayish), mucus on the surface, pungent odor, and yellowing of fatty layers.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of horse meat, familiar to the peoples of the South Asian and northern parts of the Eurasian continent, have been adopted by many peoples. The positive qualities of the product are: rich mineral composition, easy digestibility, the ability to increase immunity, normalize metabolism, improve the state of the hematopoietic system, and regenerate bone tissue. The disadvantages of meat include: rigidity, requiring mandatory heat treatment, with additional destruction of pathogens, the product is a source of purines that provoke the development of gout.

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