​​​​​​​​​​​The world is obsessed with health, from the latest scientific research to what’s trending on TikTok. Most people want to buy healthy foods, make healthy recipes and live a healthy lifestyle. 

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However, living the wellness life is challenging. Lamb makes it easier. Lamb is a flavorful, nutrient-rich food that’s available across the United States thanks to more than 80,000 family farmers dedicated to raising American lamb responsibly and sustainably. Plus, lamb is easy to incorporate into any recipe whether you’re grilling, making Sunday dinner or simply celebrating taco Tuesday.

 

Lamb delivers flavor and wellness. What more could you ask for? How about these 10 nutritional benefits of eating lamb. 

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1. Lamb is a Protein Powerhouse

Protein’s role in a healthy diet is not debatable. This essential macronutrient is an important building block of muscles, bones, cartilage and skin. Protein also helps repair cells and makes new ones. We need protein, and lamb contains an average 22.5 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. 

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2. Lamb is Keto and Paleo Diet-Friendly

For those following a Keto or Paleo diet and looking for quality sources of good fats and proteins, lamb offers a flavorful and diverse option. The keto diet was the most searched for diet in 2022. Every week, more than 50,000 people turned to Google to learn about this high fat, low carbohydrate diet. Lamb is a very keto-friendly source of good fats and protein. 

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3. Lamb has Good Fats

A 3-ounce serving of lamb contains 3 grams of monounsaturated fat, a “good” fat that is also found in avocados and olive oil. According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which can lower heart disease and stroke risks. 40% of the fat in lamb is heart healthy monounsaturated fat.

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4. Lamb Can be a Lean Protein

On average, a 3-ounce serving of American lamb is lean, with approximately 140 calories per serving1. Lean cuts of lamb include the leg, loin and shoulder. Learn more about the cuts of lamb. 

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5. Lamb is Nutrient Rich1

On average, lean cuts of lamb are an excellent source of protein, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Lamb also is a good source of iron, phosphorus, pantothenic acid and copper. That’s an impressive nutrient load from 3-ounces of flavorful meat!

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6. Lamb Does Not Contain Added Hormones*

Most consumers aren’t looking for a side of growth hormones in their meal. Most American lamb ranchers and farmers don’t use hormones. 

*Although growth hormones are not used in US lamb production, they are legal to use.

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7. Lamb Plays a Role in the Mediterranean Diet

For the eigth year in a row (2025), the Mediterranean diet was named the Best Overall Diet by U.S. News & World Report. Although the diet is mainly plant-based, it does allow for small amounts of lean animal-based proteins. And, according to Oldways, lamb is the perfect animal protein source for followers of this popular diet. 

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8. Our Lamb is Fresh

Sheep are raised in every state, meaning fresh, local lamb is available wherever you live. However, more than 50% of the lamb consumed in the United States is from Australia and New Zealand. That lamb travels up to 10,000 miles before it lands in the United States.

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9. Eating Lamb Supports a Strong Immune System

Research suggests that supporting a strong immune system begins with a healthy diet. A single portion of lamb serves up nutrients essential for immune function: zinc, selenium, protein and iron2.

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10. Lamb May Help with Weight Management

On average, a 3-ounce portion of lamb is lean, contains only 160 calories and is packed with hunger-curbing protein — a perfect combination for weight management, according to research3.

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Start adding flavorful, nutrient-rich lamb to your meal plans by checking out our over 400 recipes for every meal occasion. 

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1 Colorado State University, U.S. Grain-Finished & Grass-Finished Lamb - Complete Nutrient Analysis of Ten Lamb Cuts and Ground Lamb, 2015

2 Maggini A, et al. Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients 2018; 10(10): 1531.

3 Paddon Jones D, et al. Protein, weight management, and satiety. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(suppl):1558S–61S.

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